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PHIL2451

Philosophy and the Good Life

20 Units 2000 Level Course

Not available in 2012

Previously offered in 2013

This course involves discussion of issues raised by the question of what makes a good life. Such issues may include: Does one live well so long as one ends up with what one wants? What role does pleasure have in a good life? What role honour? Does the meaning of life depend on being externally given, or can we create meaning? Is life absurd, and, if so, how should we react to this fact? Should we fear death?

Objectives
(1) Knowledge and familiarity of the issues addressed and approaches taken by philosophers in discussing the nature of the good life.
(2) Critical skills to deal with these issues and employ these approaches in their thinking about their own lives.
Content
Lectures and seminars focus on historical and contemporary treatments of issues relating to the nature of the good life. The course is divided into a number of distinct sections, each focusing on issues which may be selected from amongst the following: Socrates and the examined life; the pursuit of power and pleasure; the ascetic life; the good life as getting what one wants; life and absurdity; meaning and transcendence; death.
Replacing Course(s)
PHIL3450 and PHIL3451 Philosophy and the Good Life
Transition
Students who have previously completed either PHIL3450 or PHIL3451 Philosophy and the Good Life are not permitted to enrol in PHIL2451
Industrial Experience
0
Assumed Knowledge
At least 10 units of PHIL courses at 1000 level, or 40 units of any courses at any level.
Modes of Delivery
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods
Lecture
Seminar
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Two or more written assignments, which might include minor or major essays, short-answer assignments, or tutorial papers, all totaling 8000 words. 100%
Contact Hours
Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term