2022 Philosophy Symposium: The Ethics of War & Autonomous Weapons Systems

Our philosophy symposium on the ethics of war & autonomous weapons systems (AWS) was part of our 2022 philosophy symposia series supported in part by grants from Humanities Montana and The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization. In this symposium led by guest speaker Major Hunter Cantrell, we explored just war theory and some of the implications of emerging technologies/autonomous weapons systems on just war theory, military ethics, and social/political philosophy. Access audio-video, resources & photos here!

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2022 Philosophy Symposium: The Military Experience & Culture

Our philosophy symposium on the military experience & culture was part of our 2022 philosophy symposia series supported in part by grants from Humanities Montana and The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization. In this symposium led by guest speaker (Retired) Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Barrs, we explored perspectives on military life & culture for active duty members and veterans, as well as family members and loved ones (who are also “on duty” in an important sense). Access audio-video, resources & photos here!

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Merlin: Live Theater & Symposia Announcement on HCTV

We had a great time sharing the news about our upcoming philosophy symposia series on the military experience & culture AND the ethics of war & autonomous warfare, alongside Ross. P Nelson — Co-Founder of Raven’s Feather Productions & Director of GROUNDED (the play that inspired our community discussions series).  Watch the video to learn more about the play and symposia!

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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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2021 Merlin Mailer End-of-Year Newsletter

Whew……what can we say? It’s been a tough year for everyone. Not much elaboration is needed. We have all experienced it…each in our own way. As 2021 comes to an end, we are hopeful. Why? Because, amidst this year’s challenges, we have witnessed the power and beauty of community, of people coming together. We are honored and grateful for the support our fellow community members, near & far, have shown us & hope you enjoy our Merlin Mailer Year-in-Review newsletter. Read more here!

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Meet Merlin Team Member: Mitchell Conway

We are delighted to welcome Mitchell Conway onto the Merlin Team.  Mitchell is a branch facilitator/educator at Cottonwood ALC and serves on the education committee for The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization.  He’ll be adding an additional “hat to his collection” by joining our crew here at Merlin CCC as a Community Philosopher & our Youth Programs Advisor. Learn more about Mitch here!

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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!

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