PHIL 251: Happiness and the Good Life

PHIL 251-DL1: Happiness and the Good Life
(Fall 2021)

04:30 PM to 05:45 PM MW

Online

Section Information for Fall 2021

What is the nature of happiness: a state of mind? an emotion? or something else? Is a good life necessarily a happy life? Are health, wealth, and friendship necessary for happiness? 

This course is an introduction to the philosophy of happiness and well-being. It centers on the question of what makes for a good life, and what the role of happiness is in living a good life. In seeking an answer to these central questions, we will explore various philosophical answers to related questions such as:

  • What is the difference/connection between a happy life and a meaningful life?
  • To what extent does happiness contribute to well-being?
  • Are things like health, wealth, and friendship necessary for well-being? Are they sufficient?
  • What is the government’s role in promoting its citizens well-being? What aspects of well-being should government promote?
  • Would an immortal life be better than a mortal one?
  • Do you have to be a morally good person in order to lead a good life?
  • What can science tell us about how to achieve a good life? Is science a substitute or complement to philosophy?

No prior experience of philosophy is required.

PHIL 251 DL1 is a distance education 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. 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.