PHIL2647 - The Philosophy of Happiness

Semester 2, 2011  |  Credit Points: 6

Coordinator: Caroline Jane West
Phone: +61 2 9036 9349
Email: caroline.west@sydney.edu.au

Description

We all want to be happy and to live a worthwhile life. But what is happiness? Why should we want it? And how do we get it? These are among the most fundamental questions of philosophy. We will evaluate the answers of major thinkers from ancient and modern and eastern and western traditions; and consider the implications of current psychological research into the causes of happiness for the question of how to live well, as individuals and as a society.

Assessments

1x2500wd essay (45%), 1x2000wd take-home exam (45%) and tutorial participation (10%)

Textbooks

Readings available from the University Copy Centre

Classes

1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week

Prerequisites

12 Junior credit points

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