Syllabus – keep handy for reference
Dr. Aeon J. Skoble
341 Tillinghast, x2460
Email: askoble@bridgew.edu Web: http://webhost.bridgew.edu/askoble
Office hours: M 10-11, TR 1:45-2:45, or by appointment
Texts:
Symposium, Plato (Nehamas and Woodruff trans., Hackett
Publishing)
Nicomachean
Ethics, Aristotle (Irwin trans.,
Hackett)
The Epicurus
Reader, Epicurus (Inwood and
Gerson, trans., Hackett)
The Handbook, Epictetus (White trans., Hackett)
Beyond Good
and Evil, Nietzsche (Kaufmann
trans., Vintage)
The Happiness
Project, Rubin (Harper Paperback)
Several other pieces to be distributed in
class or on the web; streamed video
Overview and
objectives:
What is happiness? How does one attain it? Is that what life is all about? If so, why?
If not, what else? What does it
mean to live a life, and what would count as doing that well? These are some of the most pressing
philosophical questions around today – just have a look at the plethora of “self-help”
books, TV shows, and websites. As it
happens, they are also among the oldest of philosophical questions. It’s worth taking seriously the notion that
people can be mistaken about things like the nature of happiness. In this class, we will read classical and contemporary accounts of what happiness
is, what it means to flourish as a person, what friendship is, what it means to
have or seek values, and we will consider what gives life meaning.
In the first part of the semester, we will examine classical theories of pleasure and happiness from the classical Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman traditions, as well as that of Buddhism and Christianity; specifically the ideas of Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, Epicurus, Buddha, Paul of Tarsus, Augustine of Hippo, and Thomas Aquinas. We will find in them ample disagreement about what it means to live a human life, the nature of happiness, the nature and value of friendship, love, sex. We will consider the challenge of nihilism, and responses from Nietzsche and perhaps some later existentialist writers. We will then turn to some contemporary thinking on happiness and the meaning of life, and if time permits we will critique some of the popular self-help fads and see how they measure up against more considered approaches.
Requirements:
First of all, please note that you are required to do all assigned readings, whether from the texts, on handouts, or on the internet, and to be prepared to comment on them if called on in class to do so (and likewise with any films). Also, regular attendance is a requirement of the class. This is a reflection of the fact that the primary vehicle for learning the material is the class itself, of which you should see yourself as a part. Obviously there is such a thing as a good reason to miss class, but be sure you limit your absences to such occasions, as absences in excess of three will result in reduction of overall grade no matter what your average is. Excessive lateness will count as one or more absences: besides being disruptive, you are missing material. If you do have to miss class, it is your responsibility to get the notes, and any announcements or additional assignments, from a classmate. Adjustments to your grade will be made for both constructive participation in discussions and disruptive behavior, as well as for excessive absences. What is “constructive participation,” and how is it different from “disruptive behavior”? Consider how arguments in a courtroom or legislature take place - vigorous and passionate disagreement is expressed, but in an atmosphere of civility, courtesy, mutual respect. Decorum matters in those contexts, because that is what enables the coexistence of dispute and civility. You should feel free to ask questions of me and of your classmates, and to agree or disagree as you see fit, but you must strive to maintain an atmosphere of civil discourse, meaning, first, distinguishing between attacks on an idea and attacks on a person, and second, observing some of the ground rules of civilized society. Electronic devices, and ideally hats, should be off. Eat and drink quietly and discreetly, don’t read the newspaper or do homework for another class, don’t go to sleep.
Formally: class participation (10%), midterm exam (25%), online participation* (30%), final exam (35%).
*Using a platform TBD, you will periodically write and share short responses to questions about the readings and movies.
Cheating on exams and quizzes is not tolerated. Plagiarism of any form on written assignments is not tolerated. You will receive an F in the course, and the professor will recommend to the Dean that you be expelled.
The department maintains a web site, which contains links to useful resources, fun philosophical diversions, and information about coming events of potential interest. Go to http://www.bridgew.edu/philosophy and have a look around!
Calendar (subject to change):
Jan 24 – introduction to course, distribution of syllabus
Jan 29-31 – Aristotle
Feb 5-7 – Plato
Feb 12-14 – Paul of Tarsus and Augustine of Hippo
Feb 19-21 – Thomas Aquinas
Feb 26-28 – Epicurus (Epicurean school), Epictetus (Stoic school)
Mar 5-7 – T 3/5 midterm exam; no class TH 3/7
Mar 12-14- BSU Spring Break; no classes
Mar 19-21– Buddhism
Mar 26-28 – Nietzsche
Apr 2-4 – contemporary thought, authors and essays TBA
Apr 9-11 – contemporary thought, authors and essays TBA
Apr 16-18 – Rubin’s “The Happiness Project”
Apr 23-25 – modern-day “self-help” industry analyzed
Apr 30-May 2 – conclusion; review
May 9 – final exam (11:00 am)