PLATO: Can you describe how Merlin’s Philosophy in the Community project was started?<\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC:<\/em><\/strong> Our \u2018Philosophy in the Community\u2019 project was inspired by experiences had over the years with both my late father and various of my philosophy professors \u2013 all of whom approached the discipline of philosophy as an activity intricately connected to and embedded in community. The first activities that we ever offered under this umbrella were our philosophy walks. These hold a special place in my heart and are, to date, still my favorite activities. Part of this affection is nostalgia-driven; being outdoors and wandering into the great wide open is where I first discovered philosophy. The other component has to do with what happens in nature; nature inspires, sparks curiosity, demands humility, and has a relentless and magical way of inviting deep thoughts. Nature and philosophy go hand in hand. And even if the adventure is a solo one, in so far as there is a communing of sorts, there is always a community element…always an opportunity for reflection, contemplation, and connection. From there, and continuing to build on the community aspect, we started offering philosophy think & drinks (always a fav!) and philosophy symposiums, both of which have a very different structure and feel, but are equally \u201cthinky,\u201d diverse, and community-driven. Over time, more activities have been added to the kettle, including: philosophy workshops and outings, philosophy drive-in\u2019s and read-in\u2019s, philosophy fellowship programs, and various philosophy community endeavors and collaborative ventures.<\/p>\nPLATO: What helped you grow the idea into a successful program?
\n<\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>As Pollyannaish as it may sound, the project (and our organization in general) became a reality due simply to believing deeply enough in the idea and then just digging in and doing it. It was very \u201cField of Dream\u201d-ish. And, it started out as a surreal, in fashion as the movie \u2013 one person standing out in a field kicking up dust\u2026until that one became two, then three, and soon a community. I think the fact that our project and organization has grown the way it has is, I think, a testament to the power of philosophy more than anything. That philosophy can transform and enrich our lives and foster community in the ways that it does is so beautiful.<\/p>\nPLATO: What was one of your favorite Philosophy in the Community moments?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>One of my favorite memories from our \u2018Philosophy in the Community\u2019 project happened at a philosophy walk. I recall the moment distinctly. It was our first philosophy walk and my mom (in an act of solidarity) flew down from Alaska to partake in the hike. I had requested in my advertising of the walk that people show up roughly 10 minutes prior to start time (to stretch out, get geared up, etc.). The walk was supposed to start at 10am and it was 9:55am and the only people there were me and my mom. I looked at her and began to say, \u201cWell, it looks like it\u2019s just you and me.\u201d But then a man appeared out of what seemed like nowhere, with hands on hips, emphatically shouting (and, I kid you not!): \u201cMan in need of philosophy!<\/em>\u201d My entire being smiled \u2013 partly in joy and relief, and partly because it reaffirmed something I had felt to be true for so long: that we all need<\/em> philosophy.<\/p>\nPLATO: What do your Philosophy in the Community programs look like?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>It is hard to describe entirely what our programs are like \u2014 in part because they are still evolving. \u00a0That said, you can get a sense of some of our programs by watching these two videos \u2014 the first of which provides an overview of our philosophy walks and second of which talks about our approach to philosophy, in general.<\/p>\n\n- Philosophy Walk: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/media-library\/philosophy-walk-hctv-exploring-big-ideas-big-sky\/<\/a><\/li>\n
- Interview about Philosophy in the Community Programming: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/merlin-press\/philosophy-in-the-community-hctv-may-2018\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLATO: What are the goals of your Philosophy in the Community programs?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>Our activities and services are designed for people of all backgrounds and ages (from children to elders) and are geared to:<\/p>\n\n- spark and encourage the exchange of ideas & the fun of doing
\nphilosophy<\/li>\n - promote critical, creative thought & reflection<\/li>\n
- cultivate the faculty & virtue of \u201cphilosophical sensitivity\u201d<\/li>\n
- nurture and contribute to a sense of imagination and wonder<\/li>\n
- reconnect people with nature by way of doing philosophy in
\ninspiring places<\/li>\n - facilitate the application of philosophy to matters of everyday
\nliving<\/li>\n - inspire leadership & meaningful action, and<\/li>\n
- build, foster & strengthen the community and environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While our project primarily serves the community in which we are based (Helena, MT), beneficiaries often extend into surrounding cities and counties. We also have an on-line resource center that houses recordings and photos from our activities and, as of February of this year, we also started regularly offering philosophy think & drinks in Missoula, MT and have established some great relationships with individuals interested in bringing some of our project activities into their communities.<\/p>\n
PLATO: Why do you think philosophical engagements like the ones Merlin CCC offers are important?<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>The \u201cwhy?\u201d of our project has to do with our belief in the value and relevance of philosophy and its ability to improve our everyday lives. It also has to do with access. We believe that philosophy is (and should be) a resource for everyone \u2013 regardless of background or age \u2013 and that it is not meant to be closed away in some book, but to be lived. Maybe this is connected to what I mentioned earlier\u2026that each of us, in our own ways, needs philosophy. That, a field of dreams can bear fruit. I know this sounds strange\u2026but I truly believe it. Philosophy is very compelling. Its questions are the questions of life. And, at our core, we are all philosophical beings. Sometimes we just need an invitation to remind ourselves of that and a set of tools to till the soil.<\/p>\nMerlin CCC has many resources available on their website.<\/a> Check these out to inspire your own philosophy programs!<\/p>\n\n- Philosophy Walks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Think and Drinks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Symposiums & Round Tables<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Drive-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Read-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Workshops & Outings<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Community Ventures<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Fellowship Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLATO: What helped you grow the idea into a successful program?
\n<\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>As Pollyannaish as it may sound, the project (and our organization in general) became a reality due simply to believing deeply enough in the idea and then just digging in and doing it. It was very \u201cField of Dream\u201d-ish. And, it started out as a surreal, in fashion as the movie \u2013 one person standing out in a field kicking up dust\u2026until that one became two, then three, and soon a community. I think the fact that our project and organization has grown the way it has is, I think, a testament to the power of philosophy more than anything. That philosophy can transform and enrich our lives and foster community in the ways that it does is so beautiful.<\/p>\nPLATO: What was one of your favorite Philosophy in the Community moments?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>One of my favorite memories from our \u2018Philosophy in the Community\u2019 project happened at a philosophy walk. I recall the moment distinctly. It was our first philosophy walk and my mom (in an act of solidarity) flew down from Alaska to partake in the hike. I had requested in my advertising of the walk that people show up roughly 10 minutes prior to start time (to stretch out, get geared up, etc.). The walk was supposed to start at 10am and it was 9:55am and the only people there were me and my mom. I looked at her and began to say, \u201cWell, it looks like it\u2019s just you and me.\u201d But then a man appeared out of what seemed like nowhere, with hands on hips, emphatically shouting (and, I kid you not!): \u201cMan in need of philosophy!<\/em>\u201d My entire being smiled \u2013 partly in joy and relief, and partly because it reaffirmed something I had felt to be true for so long: that we all need<\/em> philosophy.<\/p>\nPLATO: What do your Philosophy in the Community programs look like?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>It is hard to describe entirely what our programs are like \u2014 in part because they are still evolving. \u00a0That said, you can get a sense of some of our programs by watching these two videos \u2014 the first of which provides an overview of our philosophy walks and second of which talks about our approach to philosophy, in general.<\/p>\n\n- Philosophy Walk: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/media-library\/philosophy-walk-hctv-exploring-big-ideas-big-sky\/<\/a><\/li>\n
- Interview about Philosophy in the Community Programming: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/merlin-press\/philosophy-in-the-community-hctv-may-2018\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLATO: What are the goals of your Philosophy in the Community programs?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>Our activities and services are designed for people of all backgrounds and ages (from children to elders) and are geared to:<\/p>\n\n- spark and encourage the exchange of ideas & the fun of doing
\nphilosophy<\/li>\n - promote critical, creative thought & reflection<\/li>\n
- cultivate the faculty & virtue of \u201cphilosophical sensitivity\u201d<\/li>\n
- nurture and contribute to a sense of imagination and wonder<\/li>\n
- reconnect people with nature by way of doing philosophy in
\ninspiring places<\/li>\n - facilitate the application of philosophy to matters of everyday
\nliving<\/li>\n - inspire leadership & meaningful action, and<\/li>\n
- build, foster & strengthen the community and environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While our project primarily serves the community in which we are based (Helena, MT), beneficiaries often extend into surrounding cities and counties. We also have an on-line resource center that houses recordings and photos from our activities and, as of February of this year, we also started regularly offering philosophy think & drinks in Missoula, MT and have established some great relationships with individuals interested in bringing some of our project activities into their communities.<\/p>\n
PLATO: Why do you think philosophical engagements like the ones Merlin CCC offers are important?<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>The \u201cwhy?\u201d of our project has to do with our belief in the value and relevance of philosophy and its ability to improve our everyday lives. It also has to do with access. We believe that philosophy is (and should be) a resource for everyone \u2013 regardless of background or age \u2013 and that it is not meant to be closed away in some book, but to be lived. Maybe this is connected to what I mentioned earlier\u2026that each of us, in our own ways, needs philosophy. That, a field of dreams can bear fruit. I know this sounds strange\u2026but I truly believe it. Philosophy is very compelling. Its questions are the questions of life. And, at our core, we are all philosophical beings. Sometimes we just need an invitation to remind ourselves of that and a set of tools to till the soil.<\/p>\nMerlin CCC has many resources available on their website.<\/a> Check these out to inspire your own philosophy programs!<\/p>\n\n- Philosophy Walks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Think and Drinks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Symposiums & Round Tables<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Drive-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Read-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Workshops & Outings<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Community Ventures<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Fellowship Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLATO: What was one of your favorite Philosophy in the Community moments?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>One of my favorite memories from our \u2018Philosophy in the Community\u2019 project happened at a philosophy walk. I recall the moment distinctly. It was our first philosophy walk and my mom (in an act of solidarity) flew down from Alaska to partake in the hike. I had requested in my advertising of the walk that people show up roughly 10 minutes prior to start time (to stretch out, get geared up, etc.). The walk was supposed to start at 10am and it was 9:55am and the only people there were me and my mom. I looked at her and began to say, \u201cWell, it looks like it\u2019s just you and me.\u201d But then a man appeared out of what seemed like nowhere, with hands on hips, emphatically shouting (and, I kid you not!): \u201cMan in need of philosophy!<\/em>\u201d My entire being smiled \u2013 partly in joy and relief, and partly because it reaffirmed something I had felt to be true for so long: that we all need<\/em> philosophy.<\/p>\nPLATO: What do your Philosophy in the Community programs look like?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>It is hard to describe entirely what our programs are like \u2014 in part because they are still evolving. \u00a0That said, you can get a sense of some of our programs by watching these two videos \u2014 the first of which provides an overview of our philosophy walks and second of which talks about our approach to philosophy, in general.<\/p>\n\n- Philosophy Walk: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/media-library\/philosophy-walk-hctv-exploring-big-ideas-big-sky\/<\/a><\/li>\n
- Interview about Philosophy in the Community Programming: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/merlin-press\/philosophy-in-the-community-hctv-may-2018\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLATO: What are the goals of your Philosophy in the Community programs?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>Our activities and services are designed for people of all backgrounds and ages (from children to elders) and are geared to:<\/p>\n\n- spark and encourage the exchange of ideas & the fun of doing
\nphilosophy<\/li>\n - promote critical, creative thought & reflection<\/li>\n
- cultivate the faculty & virtue of \u201cphilosophical sensitivity\u201d<\/li>\n
- nurture and contribute to a sense of imagination and wonder<\/li>\n
- reconnect people with nature by way of doing philosophy in
\ninspiring places<\/li>\n - facilitate the application of philosophy to matters of everyday
\nliving<\/li>\n - inspire leadership & meaningful action, and<\/li>\n
- build, foster & strengthen the community and environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While our project primarily serves the community in which we are based (Helena, MT), beneficiaries often extend into surrounding cities and counties. We also have an on-line resource center that houses recordings and photos from our activities and, as of February of this year, we also started regularly offering philosophy think & drinks in Missoula, MT and have established some great relationships with individuals interested in bringing some of our project activities into their communities.<\/p>\n
PLATO: Why do you think philosophical engagements like the ones Merlin CCC offers are important?<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>The \u201cwhy?\u201d of our project has to do with our belief in the value and relevance of philosophy and its ability to improve our everyday lives. It also has to do with access. We believe that philosophy is (and should be) a resource for everyone \u2013 regardless of background or age \u2013 and that it is not meant to be closed away in some book, but to be lived. Maybe this is connected to what I mentioned earlier\u2026that each of us, in our own ways, needs philosophy. That, a field of dreams can bear fruit. I know this sounds strange\u2026but I truly believe it. Philosophy is very compelling. Its questions are the questions of life. And, at our core, we are all philosophical beings. Sometimes we just need an invitation to remind ourselves of that and a set of tools to till the soil.<\/p>\nMerlin CCC has many resources available on their website.<\/a> Check these out to inspire your own philosophy programs!<\/p>\n\n- Philosophy Walks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Think and Drinks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Symposiums & Round Tables<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Drive-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Read-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Workshops & Outings<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Community Ventures<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Fellowship Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLATO: What do your Philosophy in the Community programs look like?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>It is hard to describe entirely what our programs are like \u2014 in part because they are still evolving. \u00a0That said, you can get a sense of some of our programs by watching these two videos \u2014 the first of which provides an overview of our philosophy walks and second of which talks about our approach to philosophy, in general.<\/p>\n\n- Philosophy Walk: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/media-library\/philosophy-walk-hctv-exploring-big-ideas-big-sky\/<\/a><\/li>\n
- Interview about Philosophy in the Community Programming: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/merlin-press\/philosophy-in-the-community-hctv-may-2018\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLATO: What are the goals of your Philosophy in the Community programs?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>Our activities and services are designed for people of all backgrounds and ages (from children to elders) and are geared to:<\/p>\n\n- spark and encourage the exchange of ideas & the fun of doing
\nphilosophy<\/li>\n - promote critical, creative thought & reflection<\/li>\n
- cultivate the faculty & virtue of \u201cphilosophical sensitivity\u201d<\/li>\n
- nurture and contribute to a sense of imagination and wonder<\/li>\n
- reconnect people with nature by way of doing philosophy in
\ninspiring places<\/li>\n - facilitate the application of philosophy to matters of everyday
\nliving<\/li>\n - inspire leadership & meaningful action, and<\/li>\n
- build, foster & strengthen the community and environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While our project primarily serves the community in which we are based (Helena, MT), beneficiaries often extend into surrounding cities and counties. We also have an on-line resource center that houses recordings and photos from our activities and, as of February of this year, we also started regularly offering philosophy think & drinks in Missoula, MT and have established some great relationships with individuals interested in bringing some of our project activities into their communities.<\/p>\n
PLATO: Why do you think philosophical engagements like the ones Merlin CCC offers are important?<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>The \u201cwhy?\u201d of our project has to do with our belief in the value and relevance of philosophy and its ability to improve our everyday lives. It also has to do with access. We believe that philosophy is (and should be) a resource for everyone \u2013 regardless of background or age \u2013 and that it is not meant to be closed away in some book, but to be lived. Maybe this is connected to what I mentioned earlier\u2026that each of us, in our own ways, needs philosophy. That, a field of dreams can bear fruit. I know this sounds strange\u2026but I truly believe it. Philosophy is very compelling. Its questions are the questions of life. And, at our core, we are all philosophical beings. Sometimes we just need an invitation to remind ourselves of that and a set of tools to till the soil.<\/p>\nMerlin CCC has many resources available on their website.<\/a> Check these out to inspire your own philosophy programs!<\/p>\n\n- Philosophy Walks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Think and Drinks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Symposiums & Round Tables<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Drive-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Read-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Workshops & Outings<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Community Ventures<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Fellowship Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Philosophy Walk: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/media-library\/philosophy-walk-hctv-exploring-big-ideas-big-sky\/<\/a><\/li>\n
- Interview about Philosophy in the Community Programming: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/merlin-press\/philosophy-in-the-community-hctv-may-2018\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLATO: What are the goals of your Philosophy in the Community programs?
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\nMerlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>Our activities and services are designed for people of all backgrounds and ages (from children to elders) and are geared to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- spark and encourage the exchange of ideas & the fun of doing
\nphilosophy<\/li>\n - promote critical, creative thought & reflection<\/li>\n
- cultivate the faculty & virtue of \u201cphilosophical sensitivity\u201d<\/li>\n
- nurture and contribute to a sense of imagination and wonder<\/li>\n
- reconnect people with nature by way of doing philosophy in
\ninspiring places<\/li>\n - facilitate the application of philosophy to matters of everyday
\nliving<\/li>\n - inspire leadership & meaningful action, and<\/li>\n
- build, foster & strengthen the community and environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While our project primarily serves the community in which we are based (Helena, MT), beneficiaries often extend into surrounding cities and counties. We also have an on-line resource center that houses recordings and photos from our activities and, as of February of this year, we also started regularly offering philosophy think & drinks in Missoula, MT and have established some great relationships with individuals interested in bringing some of our project activities into their communities.<\/p>\n
PLATO: Why do you think philosophical engagements like the ones Merlin CCC offers are important?<\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n
Merlin CCC: <\/em><\/strong>The \u201cwhy?\u201d of our project has to do with our belief in the value and relevance of philosophy and its ability to improve our everyday lives. It also has to do with access. We believe that philosophy is (and should be) a resource for everyone \u2013 regardless of background or age \u2013 and that it is not meant to be closed away in some book, but to be lived. Maybe this is connected to what I mentioned earlier\u2026that each of us, in our own ways, needs philosophy. That, a field of dreams can bear fruit. I know this sounds strange\u2026but I truly believe it. Philosophy is very compelling. Its questions are the questions of life. And, at our core, we are all philosophical beings. Sometimes we just need an invitation to remind ourselves of that and a set of tools to till the soil.<\/p>\n
Merlin CCC has many resources available on their website.<\/a> Check these out to inspire your own philosophy programs!<\/p>\n
- \n
- Philosophy Walks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Think and Drinks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Symposiums & Round Tables<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Drive-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Read-In’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Workshops & Outings<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Community Ventures<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Fellowship Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Philosophy Think and Drinks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosophy Walks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Interview about Philosophy in the Community Programming: https:\/\/merlinccc.org\/merlin-press\/philosophy-in-the-community-hctv-may-2018\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.plato-philosophy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/60786292_1601349086663797_6979809141514567680_n.png\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n