Ancient Greek Insights for Today’s America: A Philosophical Conversation

Sponsored by Merlin CCC and the Carroll College Philosophy Department, this free evening program was an informal conversation about greek philosophical insights and how they relate to and can help us navigate our everyday lived experiences. Invited guest scholars included: Barry Ferst, Professor of Philosophy (Carroll College); David Nowakowksi, Philosopher & Senior Mentor for Fellowship Scholars (Merlin CCC; and, Mark Smillie, Professor of Philosophy (Carroll College). 2019 Merlin Student Scholar Fellow, Henry Kramer, served as moderator. Access audio-video & photos here!

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Philosophy Workshop: Thinking Ecologically About Virtue & Value (Fall 2019)

For many philosophers, scientists, and ordinary people, “species” are not only descriptive categories of how things are, but ideal models for how things should be. In this workshop, led by David Nowakowski, we took a whirlwind tour of “species” from antiquity to the present, in order to better understand the hidden assumptions behind our own thinking today…and what thinking ecologically might tell us about virtue & value. Access resources & photos here!

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Philosophy Workshop: The Life of Virtue in Greek Philosophy (Summer 2019)

In this 3.5-hour “philosophy as a way of life”-inspired workshop led by special guest scholar & Philosophical Advisor for Merlin CCC, David Nowakowski, PhD we looked at what it might mean to live a life of virtue. Select readings and activities inspired by numerous ancient (and some contemporary) thinkers were examined and applied with the aim of introducing participants to a variety of philosophical perspectives on virtuous living and practical tools for living well. Access resources & photos here!

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Merlin “Philosophy in the Community” Program Featured on PLATO

The Philosophy Learning & Teaching Organization has been by our side from day one.  They were our first grantors and have continued to support our organization annually in various ways since 2017.  In June of this year, we were interviewed by PLATO and asked various questions about Starting a philosophy community initiative, our program highlights, our goals & visions, and more. Check out the interview here!

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Merlin Philosophy Symposium in the Helena Independent Record

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to be interviewed by the Helena Independent Record about our 3-part philosophy symposium series on the environment, ethics & stewardship, the first of which will take place on Sept. 20th 2018 and will focus on philosophical issues and perspectives related to public vs. private lands & rights and responsibilities.

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DOJO TWO (WEEK 6r): “The Good Life,” Plato’s Symposium (Part 1)

This portion of week 6 we will begin our exploration of “The Good Life” and dive into Plato’s Symposium (part 1). NOTE: This week is split between two dojos — Dojo One & Dojo Two. The ‘r’ represents the Thursday of week 6.

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Plato’s Allegory of the Cave (In Clay)

Allegory of the Cave

Bar none…..one of the best adaptations of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave you’ll ever find.  Creative, imaginative, thought-provoking,  and just plain fun (it’s in clay after all!)…hmm, dare we say “Clayto?”  Enjoy and become enlightened by this Plato & Socrates inspired gem of a short film from the Bullhead Entertainment…

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