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, January 24th in Reeder’s Alley for our maiden voyage!!!
We are delighted to be presenting a hand-tailored version of our Montana Conversations program “Philosophy: What Is It Good For?” at Bridges Buffet! Interactive and dynamic, this program is geared for community members of all ages interested in learning more about how philosophy can help enrich our lives…and why it is good for “absolutely everything!” As part of this presentation, we will be looking at why philosophy is such a great companion and how it can help us navigate the aging process in ways that inspire enlightenment, relief, humor, growth, grace, empowerment, and deep satisfaction.
Part 2 of our 3-Part Fall Philosophy Walk Series on the environment, ethics & stewardship took place on Saturday, November 10th on Merlin Nature Preserve & Little Falcon Farm. The weather was cooperative, overcast with spells of sun (save a fast-moving temperature drop near the close of our gathering)! Sponsored in part by grants from The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization & Humanities Montana, our group shared dialogue about philosophical and other perspectives related to landowner-steward & wildlife-habitat relationships, and featured special guest speakers Christopher Preston, PhD and Jim Williams, MA.
We are thrilled to announce that our program, “Philosophy: What Is It Good For?”, has been selected as a Montana Conversations program by Humanities Montana for 2019.
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, six panelists from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds focused on the first 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!
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 workshop led by scholar and special guest, David Nowakowski, PhD, we’ll look at some of insights provided by Ancient Greek thinkers concerning questions of self, free-will, responsibility, happiness, and more. Select readings and activities inspired by the Epicurean, Stoic, and Platonist traditions will be examined and applied with the aim of introducing participants to a variety of philosophical perspectives on “knowing thyself” and practical tools for living well.
Sponsored by the Carroll College Philosophy Department and Merlin CCC, this evening program will be an informal conversation about different understandings of the Islamic faith and Middle-East Islamic culture. Guest participants will be provided with set questions/topics, not as a debate, but rather as an illuminating conversation. Barry Ferst (Professor of Philosophy, Carroll College) will be serving as the moderator and will aide in directing discussion.
Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is a ubiquitous feature of popular culture, continuously adapted and revisited. Dr. Raymond Boisvert, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, argues that Frankenstein endures because of its sophisticated treatment of morality. Victor, a brilliant thinker who sees science as a means of transcending natural limits, creates life (Frankenstein’s “monster”) only to demean and abandon his creation. But Boisvert argues that Victor is a complex figure — neither inherently evil, nor the product of a corrupt or evil society. Instead Victor’s failings can better be understood by examining two different ethical models: Evil as Absence & Evil as Banal.
By investing in philosophy, you are investing in community. Please don your toga by making a tax-deductible donation today and/or by becoming a sustaining donor! Click on the yellow donate button to donate via PayPal, the blue donate button to donate via Moonclerk, or donate via QR code.
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?
