PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy, Happiness and the Good Life (Part 1)
AUTUMN QN128
Wednesdays
Patrick Quinn
Most people would claim that happiness is what we all desire and this course will examine what some philosophers have thought and written about this subject. These philosophers include Aristotle on the importance of friendship and the nature of happiness, Boethius on how philosophy can console us in times of great difficulty, Gilbert Ryle on pleasure as a form of well-being, Wittgenstein on how religious faith is superior to wisdom in achieving happiness, Hannah Arendt on what becoming human means, Pierre Hadot on how the present alone is our happiness, Bernard Williams on the foundations of well-being, Herbert McCabe OP describes the good life and Anthony Kenny describes contentment as happiness. No prior knowledge of philosophy is necessary and class participants will be encouraged to contribute to discussions, if they so wish. Relevant short handouts will be supplied as text material to be read for discussion.
| BELFIELD | ||
| 10 Wednesdays | Sep 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 | 7.30pm - 9.30pm |
| FEE: €190 | Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or call 01 716 7123 for laser/credit card booking |
Tutor Details:
Dr Patrick Quinn has tutored on adult education courses in UCD for a number of years, especially in the field of philosophy. He is Head of the Dept. of Philosophy, All Hallows College, Dublin, associate lecturer in the National College of Ireland where he lectures in the philosophy of education, and is a faculty member of The Centre for the Study of Platonism, Trinity College Dublin. He has published widely in philosophy and education and has broadcast on these subjects on RTE radio and television.
Provisional List of key topics:
- The importance of friendship for individual, social and political life
- What is happiness?
- Can philosophy console us in times of difficulty?
- Is pleasure the same as happiness?
- Is religious faith superior to wisdom? Does faith lead to happiness?
- What is the good life?
- Is contentment the best we can achieve in our search for happiness?
Who is the course for?
Anyone with an interest in examining the issues above and with an interest in philosophy.
Book List:
The following is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content. We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests.
In addition to the handouts given, the following book may be useful:
Philosophy of Religion A-Z (2005) by Patrick Quinn, Edinburgh University Press.
