September 2018 Philosophy Walk: The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship (Part 1)

Part 1 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on the environment, ethics & stewardship took place on Sunday, September 9th on Merlin Nature Preserve & Little Falcon Farm. What a spectacular day! The weather was beautiful — soft fluffy clouds, a slight breeze, and warm sunshine — and the conversation and company was equally wonderful! Sponsored in part by grants from The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization & Humanities Montana, this walk explored philosophical and other perspectives related to public vs. private lands and rights (individual, collective, indigenous, other) and featured special guest speakers Shane M. Doyle, EdD and Edward Glowienka, PhD.

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“Philosophy as a Way of Life” at Big Sky UU Fellowship

Philosophy is often taught and conceived of as nothing more than an intellectual pursuit — concerned only with knowledge and understanding. But is it more than that? Many ancient philosophical traditions (and several contemporary thinkers) felt philosophy to be a worthwhile task not just because of its ability to help us understand ourselves and the world around us more deeply but also because of its ability to help us become better people. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss philosophy as a guide to life with the members of Big Sky Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

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Philosophy as a Way of Life: Reviving the Art of Thinking & Living Well

Philosophy as a way of life has begun to re-emerge, thanks to the efforts of countless individuals — within and outside of formal academia — who have held tight to the belief that philosophy is and can be a guide to living well (in all that that entails). The NEH “Reviving Philosophy as a Way of Life” Summer Institute — led by Professors Meghan Sullivan, Steve Angle & Stephen Grimm and attended by a diverse group of scholars (of which we were lucky enough to be a part!) — is a vibrant example of a movement to re-align the seating arrangements (no more back seat for you practical side of philosophy!) and revive philosophy as the art of thinking and living well. To have been selected to participate in the National Endowment for Humanities Summer Institute was a tremendous honor! We are grateful for the amazing opportunity and to everyone in the PWOL/Stoa family!

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Merlin Philosophy Symposium in the Helena Independent Record

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to be interviewed by the Helena Independent Record about our 3-part philosophy symposium series on the environment, ethics & stewardship, the first of which will take place on Sept. 20th 2018 and will focus on philosophical issues and perspectives related to public vs. private lands & rights and responsibilities.

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Welcome Jonathan Drake: Newest Member of the Merlin Volunteer Crew

We are delighted to welcome Jonathan Drake as one of the newest members to the Merlin Volunteer Crew. A Helena native, Jonathan received his B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Montana and is volunteering while he applies to graduate school to further his study of new religious movements. As part of his volunteer work, Jonathan will be regularly contributing to the resources library of our website and assisting in several of our philosophy in the community events.

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3rd Annual Think on the Links Golf Tourney Raises $928.01 for Philosophy in the Community!

Our 2018 Think on the Links Golf Tourney was a blast! Thanks to the generosity and support of our community sponsors and donors, our volunteers, and our golfers for coming out to partake in the fun, we were able to raise $928.01 for philosophy in the community!

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2018 Think on the Links Philosophy Classic Charity Golf Tournament

Our 3nd Annual Think on the Links was a blast! Check out all of the great photos, winning teams, pin-prize champs, donors & sponsors, proceeds raised, and more here!

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August 2018 Philosophy Think & Drink: Moral Dimensions of Homelessness (Special Topic – Part 1)

In light of the rise in concern about homelessness in Helena, we decided to dedicate our August Think & Drink session (as well as our September gathering — to occur on the 13th) to a philosophical exploration of the moral dimensions of homelessness. Learn more about what we discussed, see photos, and access resources here!

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