PHIL 251: Happiness and the Good Life

PHIL 251-DL1: Happiness and the Good Life
(Fall 2025)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR

Online

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Fall 2025

This course surveys core philosophical principles that shape contemporary understandings of
“the good life” and the meaning of happiness. While boasting near universal appeal, happiness is
surprisingly difficult to define, let alone achieve. Is it a feeling? A state? An illusion? To what
extent is happiness within or outside the individual’s control? How do we define and measure
happiness, and should we even seek it in the first place? These questions and more will be
explored through interdisciplinary texts and cultural artifacts. 

PHIL 251 DL1 is an online live video section.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Addresses the question "How do I live a happy life?" by drawing on 2,500 years of philosophy as well as the much more recent science of happiness. Encourages students to develop and live their own answer in light of some of the best available science and philosophy. Offered by Philosophy. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.