Course Vision

Living a Good Life will help you become someone who . . .

thinks deeply, critically, and in a historically informed way about your beliefs, values, and desires, and those of others
knows how to investigate various philosophical traditions, appreciates their diversity and commonalities, and relates these views to your own life in ways that clarify what matters to you
appreciates the importance of asking—and trying to answer—big philosophical questions like: “What is the good life?”, “What should I value?”, and “What should I believe?”
understands the use and value of philosophy in helping you tackle some of the most practical and difficult questions and puzzles we all face
has engaged in intentional exercises in self-cultivation

Skills and Competencies

Upon completion of Living a Good Life, you will be able to . . .

consider how philosophical theories and texts may be put into practice and see the theoretical implications of philosophical practices
learn to read and understand the content and relevance of classic texts of philosophy
understand how to interpret and wrestle with philosophical ideas in classical texts on your own
engage in fruitful dialogue: to hear/read what others say/write accurately, to ask probing and critical questions, and to be charitable and gently critical
know what it’s like to do experiments in living
take steps toward developing and acquiring various character strengths and habits that matter to you
continue to apply skills of self-work and further develop serious practices of critical self-reflection

Upon completion of Living a Good Life, you will be able to . . .

recognise that assumptions about the good life are connected with assumptions about human nature/psychology and even metaphysical assumptions
know how to use philosophical resources to raise and respond to questions about the good life
understand how different thinkers and cultures have approached the topic of the good life over history
show a familiarity with the views of four different schools of philosophy and understand how they differ
know how to critically engage with these schools, and know how to put them in conversation with one another
be aware of the concept of moral psychology and how assumptions about human nature are intertwined with views of how to live
know the differences and relations between philosophical and psychological approaches to living well