PHILOSOPHY
Philosopphy, Happiness and the Good Life (Part 2)
SPRING QN229
Wednesday
Patrick Quinn
This course (although a “stand alone course), continues to explore what other philosophers have thought about happiness and the conditions necessary for achieving it. These include Plato on the way in which death can liberate us into a state of happiness, so that from this point of view death is something true philosophers should look forward to, St. Thomas Aquinas’ interesting account of religious rapture as happiness, Kant on the goal of becoming enlightened and being unafraid to voice our views while still being constrained to do our duty, Karl Marx on the need to reject religion as a necessary pre-condition for well-being, Simone Weil on being treated well, Hannah Arendt on craving the anticipated future and Philippa Foot’s views on what the good life implies for her. No prior knowledge of philosophy is necessary and class participants will be encouraged to participate in discussions, if they so wish. Relevant handouts from the texts discussed will be made available.
| BELFIELD | ||
| 8 Wednesdays |
Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20 |
7.30pm - 9.30pm |
| FEE: €155 | Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment | |
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.
List of key topics:
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Death to be welcomed as entry into a truly happy life
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The nature of religious ecstasy according to St. Thomas Aquinas
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What is being enlightened worth if we still must do our duty?
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Is religious faith an obstacle to well-being?
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What is well-being
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What does “craving the future” imply?
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What really is the good life?
Who is the course for?
Anyone with an interest in examining the issues above and with an interest in philosophy.
Reading 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
