Retreats can be a time for renewal and relaxation. But they are foremost an opportunity to step out of day-to-day routines, to enjoy a quiet and serene place, and to open up one’s innermost world through reflection and sharing. We are pleased to offer this philosophy as a way-of-life inspired experiential retreat “Seeking the Self” at Deep Bay Center with philosopher and educator David Nowakowski. Learn more here!
In this thought-provoking and engaging interview, Pete Buttigieg and Meghan Sullivan explore the role of philosophy in shaping government.
Sponsored by Merlin CCC and the Carroll College Philosophy Department, this free evening program was an informal conversation about greek philosophical insights and how they relate to and can help us navigate our everyday lived experiences. Invited guest scholars included: Barry Ferst, Professor of Philosophy (Carroll College); David Nowakowksi, Philosopher & Senior Mentor for Fellowship Scholars (Merlin CCC; and, Mark Smillie, Professor of Philosophy (Carroll College). 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow, Henry Kramer, served as moderator. Access audio-video & photos here!
The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization has been by our side from day one. They were our first grantors and have continued to support our organization annually in various ways since 2017. In June of this year, we were interviewed by PLATO and asked various questions about Starting a philosophy community initiative, our program highlights, our goals & visions, and more. Check out the interview here!
We are pumped to have been asked & selected by Humanities Montana to create two programs about philosophy — both of which speak to the relevance and import of philosophical thinking in our everyday lives.
Produced by Stephen Maly and Jeanie Warden of Helena Civic Television, this video offers a snapshot of what you might experience on one our philosophy walks. Featuring guest speakers Ed Glowienka and Shane Doyle, this walk took place on Sunday, September 9th 2018 on Merlin Nature Preserve and Little Falcon Farm, and was part of our 3-part series on the environment, ethics & stewardship.
Thank you to the Helena Civic Television crew for joining us on our outing, capturing such beautiful footage, and adding such heart-warming commentary !
Thank you so much to Sarah Elkins of Elkins Consulting for inviting us to be podcast guests on the Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will show. In this interview, “Between Your ‘Why’ and Your ‘How’ Are Your Stories,” Sarah helps us bring to light some of the inspirations behind Merlin, things that make us laugh, why holding room for space is important, and the beautiful symphony that is the Helena community.
Sponsored by the Carroll College Philosophy Department and Merlin CCC, this evening program took place in the Sage Room of the Corrette Library at Carroll College. Directed by philosopher Dr. Barry Ferst, who also served as the moderator, this symposium was an informal conversation about different understandings of the Islamic faith and Middle-East Islamic culture.
Please CLICK HERE for program updates related to COVID-19.
By investing in philosophy, you are investing in community.
Please don your toga by making a tax-deductible donation today. Learn more here!
“What Say You?” is a fun and casual internet-based philosophy in the community activity inspired by our belief that physical distancing need not mean social distancing. Each week philosopher Dr. Barry Ferst will share some of his philosophical musings on our Merlin Facebook page and invite readers to comment and discuss. Think SNL’s “Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy”….only with somewhat more gravity (maybe). Learn more here!
We deeply regret to announce that we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s fundraiser block party due to the challenges we are all facing with COVID-19. Please read our letter to the community here!
In the past weeks, COVID-19 has taken our communities by storm, forcing the closure of schools, businesses, restaurants, libraries, transport, and more. In other words….a real time, real world Twilight Zone. In response to this, our young philosophers at Cottonwood ALC have opted to take on COVID-19 in a manner that would make Rod Serling & Socrates proud. Their adaptability, creativity, and resilience is inspiring! Check out what they have planned!
In our March Philosophy Workshop led by 2019-2020 Student Scholar Fellow Henry Kramer we investigated the connections between wonder, nature, imagination, and play through lecture, discussion, and exercises. Access resources and photos here!
“Real wisdom does not merely cause us to know; it makes us ‘be’ in a different way.” (Pierre Hadot) Learn more about philosophy as a way of life.
By investing as a Merlin Corporate Sponsor, you are investing in community. Our Corporate Sponsorships come with several benefits (varying by level) and help to support our philosophy in the community programs. Learn more here!
Think philosophy is impractical, pointless, out-of-reach, or irrelevant? Think again! Want to know more about what philosophy involves
(or what it doesn't) and how it can help you find your way?
