Merlin Student Scholar Fellow: “Grief as Self-Discovery”

Inspired by her interest in grief & the role it can play in our lives, Merlin Student Scholar Fellow Julianna Breit designed and led a workshop on grieving through the lens of philosophy. View more here!

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Philosophy Workshop: “Transformative Experiences”

Some experiences in life are so significant, so profound, so intense, that after we go through them, there’s a very real sense in which “we’re not the same person we used to be.” That might involve a change in how we understand ourselves or the world, or in what we value or take to be important. In this workshop, we developed some basic concepts and categories, that might help us make sense of these transformative experiences. We also pointed toward some of the bigger philosophical questions that are lurking behind the problem of transformative experience, including rational choice, personal identity, and freedom & the Good. Access the session recording & other resources here!

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Philosophy Workshop: Transformative Experiences

Some experiences in life are so significant, so profound, so intense, that after we go through them, there’s a very real sense in which “we’re not the same person we used to be.”  That might involve a change in how we understand ourselves or the world, or in what we value or take to be important. In this workshop, we’ll develop some basic concepts and categories, that might help us make sense of these transformative experiences. We’ll also point toward some of the bigger philosophical questions, that are lurking behind the problem of transformative experience, including rational choice, personal identity, and freedom & the Good. Learn more and register for this Zoom workshop here!

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April 2018 Philosophy Drive-In

Our April Philosophy Drive-In was amazing!  A packed house…our  ecclectic group of philosophy & movie-lovers enjoyed a “night under the stars without the cars,” good snacks, great conversation, and a viewing of the intriguing autobiographical account of the life and work of Eric Kandel in In Search of Memory.  Some…

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2016 Grief, Loss & Heartbreak Workshop

Our Grief, Loss & Heartbreak Workshop took place on Saturday, December 10th at the Reeder’s Alley Interpretive & Convention Center.  A unique 1-day gathering that incorporated elements of philosophy, psychology, yoga/stretching, mindfulness meditation, readings & poetry, the workshop served as an opportunity for individuals to navigate the grieving process in…

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The Philosophical Knight – Søren Kierkegaard

Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard is oft regarded as a satirical, romantic iconoclast. Unlike many philosophers of his era, his prose was lyrical and poetic and the use of pseudonyms, paradox and irony were among his trademarks. Kierkegaard’s works explored such things as personal identity, duty, freedom, objective & subjective truths,…

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Boys Can Be Boys & Still Have Feelings

Feeling is human!  And that goes for boys just as much as girls.    Being able to embrace and express your feelings is an important part of experiencing life to its fullest.  It is also intimately connected to our mental, physical, and emotional health. Lena Aburdene Derhally, psychotherapist at Washington D.C.’s…

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Can David Hume Help You With a Mid-Life Crisis?

Who says philosophy can’t help you with major life issues?  Author and Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at U.C. Berkeley, Alison Gopnik, talks about how mid-century philosopher David Hume (coupled with a healthy does of Buddhism) helped her solve her mid-life crisis.  Read more…

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