PHIL 251: Happiness and the Good Life

PHIL 251-DL1: Happiness and the Good Life
(Fall 2022)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR

Online

Section Information for Fall 2022

Chances are, you have some vision of how you want your life to go. Maybe you dream of having a certain career, finding success in work and relationships, garnering the respect and recognition of those important to you. Many of our actions seemed aimed at some notion of a meaningful life, and yet so often we find ourselves disappointed in our search for happiness.

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 a synchronous 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.