Our “Short Reads” evenings explore a focused philosophical argument or theme, by way of a short (4–6 page) paper. During the evening, we’ll step through the paper together, using it as the focal point for a lively and interactive conversation. Learn more & RSVP here.
In this installment of “How Did We Get Here?”, we’ll consider the intellectual history of the idea of “planet” with mathematician, physicist, and astrophysicist Kelly Cline. We’ll start with the ancient Greeks, move to Copernicus, and then sashay into the 20th century. Along the way we’ll learn about how scientific words and their definitions serve as a specific lens through which we can view the world. By scientifically defining words so that they most closely match real categories that exist in physical reality, this makes it easier for us to understand, investigate, and make sense of the universe. As such, this installment of HDWGH and the evolution of how we understand and use the word planet will give us important insights into the nature of science and the foundations of our modern civilization. Learn more & RSVP here.
Our Fall symposia will focus on our relationship with nature. Conversational & interactive in format, scholars will consider Gaia Theory & Indigenous perspectives and involve discussions and reflections about the inter-connectivity of earth (and its inhabitants), mythology, science, literature, and ethics. Friday, September 23rd – Sunday, September 25th. Featuring guest scholars Martin Ogle, MS (Educator, Wildlife Scientist & Chief Naturalist Emeritus for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) & Lailani Upham, MA (Educator, Journalist, Storyteller, Environmentalist, Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet Nation) tribal member, and a descendent from the Aaniiih, Nakoda, and Dakota tribes).
Our Fall symposia will focus on our relationship with nature. Conversational & interactive in format, scholars will consider Gaia Theory & Indigenous perspectives and involve discussions and reflections about the inter-connectivity of earth (and its inhabitants), mythology, science, literature, and ethics. Friday, September 23rd – Sunday, September 25th. Featuring guest scholars Martin Ogle, MS (Educator, Wildlife Scientist & Chief Naturalist Emeritus for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) & Lailani Upham, MA (Educator, Journalist, Storyteller, Environmentalist, Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet Nation) tribal member, and a descendent from the Aaniiih, Nakoda, and Dakota tribes).
Our Fall symposia will focus on our relationship with nature. Conversational & interactive in format, scholars will consider Gaia Theory & Indigenous perspectives and involve discussions and reflections about the inter-connectivity of earth (and its inhabitants), mythology, science, literature, and ethics. Friday, September 23rd – Sunday, September 25th. Featuring guest scholars Martin Ogle, MS (Educator, Wildlife Scientist & Chief Naturalist Emeritus for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) & Lailani Upham, MA (Educator, Journalist, Storyteller, Environmentalist, Amskapi Pikuni (Blackfeet Nation) tribal member, and a descendent from the Aaniiih, Nakoda, and Dakota tribes).
A delightfully inspiring On Being podcast discussion between Krista Tippett and Nobel physicist Frank Wilczek about beauty and truth….and how beauty might be a compass for us all in the scientific and moral realms. Listen here!
What a great way to spend a November morning & afternoon! On this month’s philosophy walk we roamed the trails of Mount Helena while talking about nature and the humanities with guest speakers Edward Glowienka & Henry Kramer. Access audio recordings & photos from the walk here!
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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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!
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