Should Work Make You Happy?
Mon, Jan 22
Aristotle is one of the most influential philosophers in the history of western philosophy, and one of our central guides in this course. In this class, we'll explore the framework he gives us for seeking out (and living) the good life. In particular, we'll take a look at his "virtue ethics," according to which: (a) each of us has a "purpose" or "function" (simply in virtue of being the kind of being that we are), and that (b) our ultimate aim in acting is to live happy, flourishing lives. On Aristotle's picture, then, work--like any other habitual human activity we engage in over the course of our lives--should aid in the pursuit of happiness--or, at least, it should not detract from this goal. What exactly this means, though, and how we'd live it in our everyday lives is something we'll keep exploring throughout the remainder of the semester.
Goals - by the end of today's class, you will:
- Understand the role "happiness" (or "flourishing") plays on Aristotle's concept of the good life,
- Appreciate Aristotle's schema for defining particular virtues (excellences of character), and be able to apply this schema in your own case,
- See how work generally, and the "active life" more specifically, fits into Aristotle's general picture of human flourishing, and be able to articulate the first version of your own view regarding this relationship.
Read This:
(Access readings on Perusall)
Primary Reading: Selections from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics
Secondary Reading: David Brooks, "'Success Addicts' Choose Being Special Over Being Happy" (The Atlantic)
Do This:
After completing the readings for today, consider the following questions (which we will talk about in class):
- Does your work make you happy (in the deep, abiding sense Aristotle seems to have in mind)? Should it?