Philosophy Camp: Thinking in the Wild
Thinking in the Wild is a week-long outdoor philosophy camp. Learn more here!
Tag: philosophy as a way of life
Philosophy Walk: “The Pursuit of Excellence”
In this walk led by philosopher David Nowakowski, we’ll explore what it means for us to strive for excellence in our own lives and to appreciate the excellence of others. Learn more & RSVP here!
Philosophy Workshop: “Grief as Self-Discovery” w/ Student Scholar Fellow Julianna Breit
In this workshop designed and led by Merlin Student Scholar Fellow Julianna Breit, we’ll offer a framework for acknowledging and understanding grief’s role in our lives through the lens of philosophy. In the process, we’ll explore three basic questions: “What is grief?”, “What can it do for us?”, and “How is grief related to self-discovery & self-knowledge?” Learn more & RSVP here!
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!
Merlin Student Scholar Fellow: “If Socrates Were a Psychiatrist…”
Inspired by her interest in philosophy & psychiatry, Merlin Student Scholar Fellow Julianna Breit explores some of their similarities & differences and how practitioners in both are obsessed with “The Good Life.” Read her 2021 research & writing work here!
**RE-SCHEDULED DATE — Philosophy Walk: “Place, Climate Change & Urban Design: Some Practical Applications”
In this walk featuring Dennis McCahon and Patrick Judge, we’ll explore the connections between Helena’s “sense of place,” climate change, and urban design. Learn more & RSVP here!
Philosophy Workshop: “Beyond Mindfulness – Western Meditation Techniques in Theory & Practice”
In this workshop, we’ll explore several techniques of meditation with deep roots in Western spiritual, religious, and philosophical life and practice. We’ll examine two daily practices, popular among the ancient Pythagoreans and Stoics, for developing the power of recollection and preparing ourselves for challenging circumstances. And we’ll consider more broadly the ways in which meditative practices can help us to develop our powers of attention, concentration, clarity, and discernment. Learn more & RSVP here!
Philosophy Symposia: Our Relationship with Nature (Gaia & Indigenous Perspectives)
Our Fall symposia will focus on our relationship with nature. Conversational & interactive in format, scholars will consider Gaia Theory & Indigenous perspectives and involve discussions and reflections about the inter-connectivity of earth (and its inhabitants), mythology, science, literature, and ethics. Friday, September 23rd – Sunday, September 25th. Featuring guest scholars Martin Ogle, MS (Educator, Wildlife Scientist & Chief Naturalist Emeritus for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) & Lailani Upham, MA (Educator, Journalist, Storyteller, Environmentalist, Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet Nation) tribal member, and a descendent from the Aaniiih, Nakoda, and Dakota tribes).
