2018 Merlin Mailer Newsletter — A Year in Review

As this year comes to a close…we want to say THANK YOU.  2018 has been an amazing year and we couldn’t have done it without you.  This newsletter features highlights from our 2018 philosophy in the community activities, as well as a sneak peek at some of the new programs we will be offering and things on the radar for 2019. We had a great time creating it and are excited to be sharing it with you. We hope you enjoy!

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Merlin on “Your Stories Don’t Define You” Podcast with Sarah Elkins

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.

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Philosophy Workshop: Ethical Living Through Self-Knowledge (Winter 2018)

Philosophers of the ancient world consistently describe understanding ourselves and our place in the wider world as one of the first steps toward living well.  In this 3-hour “philosophy as a way of life”-inspired workshop led by special guest & Princeton scholar, David Nowakowski, PhD (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Union College), we looked at some of the insights provided by Ancient Greek thinkers concerning questions of self, free-will, responsibility, happiness, and more. View photos & access resources here!

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Philosophy Mini-Drive-In

Inspired by our regular drive-in nights, our mini-drive-in’s are shorter versions of our full-length drive-in nights and feature one to two TED Talks film(s) followed by a lively philosophical discussion. Please join us on Thursday, May 30th in Reeder’s Alley from 6:30pm-8pm!

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2018-2019 Philosophy Symposium – “The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship” (Part 2)

Our 2018-2019 Philosophy Symposium Series “The Environment, Ethics & Stewardship” looked at numerous philosophical issues & perspectives related to ethics, the environment, and conservation stewardship, ranging from public vs. private land (including individual rights, collective rights, indigenous rights, other); landowner/steward-wildlife and habitat relationships, and; current & future environmental/conservation challenges. At this symposium, five panelists from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds focused on the second of these three areas of discussion and spoke for 7-10 minutes each. Then the forum was opened up to free-flowing audience-panelist Q & A. Access audio-video, photos & more here!

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4 American Perspectives on Islam: A Conversation

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.

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95 KCAP Helena: Talking Shop with Merlin on the Morning Coffee Show

Thank you so much to Troy Shockley and Newsradio 95 KCAP Helena for inviting us back on their Morning Coffee Show to talk shop about some of our philosophy in the community, including some things we have on the radar for 2019!

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