PHIL 2257: Happiness and the Meaning of Life

Course Description

This course is an accessible introduction to the historical and contemporary perspectives on happiness and the meaning of life in philosophy. It examines the nature of happiness by focusing on three major theories: happiness as pleasure, happiness as excellence and happiness as desire satisfaction. Other issues examined may include the relevance of virtue for happiness, the experience machine argument, the best way to pursue happiness as a personal or a policy goal, and other related topics.