Gertrude Stein’s “there is no there there” has been used as a description for placeless spaces. By contrast, place has some kind of “there” going on. But what is this? What exactly is “place”? There are lots of ways to think about it. In this workshop, we reflected upon Helena’s sense of “place” in terms of our urban outdoors. Learn more & access resources here!
In this workshop led by David Nowakowski, we explored three techniques of meditation with deep roots in Western spiritual, religious, and philosophical life and practice. We began with two simple exercises, popular among the ancient Pythagoreans and Stoics, for developing the power of recollection and preparing ourselves for challenging circumstances. Then we turned to a practice known as “discursive meditation.” Learn more & access resources here!
In this outdoor workshop we explored the idea of justice through the lens of equity and fairness as advanced by philosopher John Rawls. The workshop was introductory in nature explored the dynamics of Rawls’ arguments and their implications, as well as the intellectual climate within which his philosophical contributions arose. Competing perspectives and modern day comparisons on justice were also be touched upon. Access resources, watch the intro video, and view pictures here!
We have so much love for The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization (PLATO) and their continued support of our organization and public philosophy programs!!
In this workshop we explored the philosophical & historical roots of Stoic philosophy, some of its central theses, its modern revival, and how it manifests as philosophy as a way of life. Access resources and sessions recordings here!
In this workshop we explored rewilding from the context of ecology and philosophy with Christopher Preston. Access resources and sessions recordings here!
In this workshop we explored death and various attitudes and perspectives on the meanings of life through the lens of historical philosophy with Julia Jorati. Access resources and sessions recordings here!
Philosophers sometimes treat knowledge as something we have when we’re seated comfortably in a proverbial or literal armchair. Yet at the very least, this seems to leave out a significant aspect of our humanity: the fact that we are embodied creatures, who actively and dynamically interact with the things that we think about and know. In this workshop led by philosophers Hila Tzipora Chase & David Nowakowski, we looked directly at ways of experiencing, of encountering, and of knowing that involve the full, embodied human being. Access resources and information here!
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Learn more about our 2024-2025 special public philosophy project on homelessness.
Want to help bring a new program to the Helena & Mountain West communities? Our Community Hubs project is an innovative vision for public humanities that re-centers community as a place of learning. Learn more about our vision & how you can help support it 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?
