The Good Life
This presentation explores the concept of "the
good life," delving into its historical
interpretations and how individuals strive to
achieve it. We will examine philosophical
perspectives, particularly from Ancient Greece,
to understand the pursuit of human flourishing
and happiness.
Lesson Objectives
Examine the Good Identify Attainment
Life Methods
Understand what is
meant by a good life. Recognize how humans
attempt to attain a
good life.
Recognize Possibilities
Identify available paths for human beings to attain the good life.
Introduction to the Good Life
In Ancient Greece, understanding the world was Every quest for knowledge is connected to finding
intertwined with understanding the self and the the "good" or achieving human flourishing. It's
good life. Plato believed that comprehending crucial to define what "good" truly means before
external reality paralleled the journey to a pursuing it. This lesson aims to clarify what it
flourishing soul. Aristotle distinguished between means to live a good life and its essential qualities,
theoretical sciences (logic, physics) and practical helping us reconcile existential needs with science
sciences (ethics, politics), with "truth" as the aim of as a tool for navigating the world.
the former and "good" as the goal of the latter.
Aristotle and the Aspiration for a
Good Life
Aristotle's Approach
Aristotle, unlike Plato, believed reality is what our senses perceive. He
focused on observation to understand the world, asserting that change
is inherent in all things.
Potentiality to Actuality
Entities move from potentiality to actuality, undergoing change. This
applies to humans too, as we aspire for our full potential.
Purpose-Driven Actions
Every human action is driven by a purpose (telos). This ultimate end,
according to Aristotle, is happiness or human flourishing.
Happiness as the End Goal
Aristotle's "happiness" is not fleeting joy, but deep contentment from
maximizing one's potential and achieving the essence of humanity.
Happiness as the Goal of a
Good Life
Greatest Happiness Prioritizing Individual
Principle Happiness
John Stuart Mill's 18th- Mill argued that collective
century principle states an individual happiness should
action is right if it maximizes dictate ethical actions,
happiness for the greatest contrasting with Aristotle's
number of people. broader concept of human
flourishing.
Ethical Decision-Making
Actions are deemed ethical if they benefit the majority, leading to
more happiness than sadness. For example, evaluating mining
based on its overall societal impact.
The Pursuit of Human
Flourishing
Ethical Guidance
Ethics is meant to guide us toward a good and happy life,
helping us navigate the complexities of the external
world.
Historical Struggle
Throughout history, humanity has continuously strived
to achieve human flourishing amidst various
challenges and external forces.
Diverse Schools of Thought
Different philosophical schools have emerged over
time, all aiming to define and achieve the good and
happy life.
Philosophical Paths to the
Good Life
This explores various philosophical and ethical doctrines that
define life's meaning, purpose, and happiness.
Materialism: Matter as Meaning
Core belief: The world and human beings are made only of matter (atomos).
Ancient Roots Human Flourishing
Democritus and Leucippus believed the world is Only material entities truly matter for happiness.
made of indivisible atoms.
Many people cling to material wealth as their
No immaterial entities are needed for purpose; primary source of existence's meaning.
atoms randomly form everything.
Happiness comes from material wealth and physical things; no need to
involve spiritual or immaterial entities.
Hedonism: The Pursuit of
Pleasure
Life's Goal Limited Life
Hedonists prioritize Life is short, so enjoy it
acquiring and indulging in now: "Eat, drink, and be
pleasure. merry for tomorrow we
die."
No Afterlife
Led by Epicurus, this school, like materialists, rejects the
notion of an afterlife.
Stoicism: Embracing
Apathy
Distance for Indifference is Key
Happiness
To find happiness, one The original term
must learn to distance "apatheia" means
oneself and be indifference.
apathetic.
Accept What You Can't Control
Happiness comes from accepting that some things are
beyond our control.
Theism: God as Life's
Fulcrum
Divine Purpose Catholic Communion
Influence with God
Many find life's In predominantly Ultimate happiness
meaning through Catholic countries for theists is
God, basing goals like the Philippines, communion with
on supernatural life goals hinge on God.
reality like heaven. faith.
Humanism: Man's Self-
Determination
Captain of Destiny
Humanism espouses man's freedom to carve his
own destiny and laws.
Enlightenment Spirit
Inspired by the 17th-century Enlightenment,
humanists control themselves and the world.
Scientific Pursuit
Scientists embody this spirit, unearthing ways to
improve humanity's lives.
Technology's Role in the Good
Life
Easing Life's Difficulties
Scientists turned to technology to simplify life, addressing past challenge
Confronting Alterations
Today's scientists confront sophisticated attempts to alter the
world for humanity's benefit.
Purging Time and Space
Social media effectively uses technology to overcome time
and space barriers in communication.
Tinkering with Sexuality
Technology allows medical operations for sexual
reassignment, implants, and hormone alterations.
The Pursuit of Happiness: A Summary
Modern Foundations
Classical Views
Classical theorists focused Happiness became central
on the soul's balance for a in the 17th century,
Constant Pursuit flourishing life. influencing ethics like Science and
utilitarianism. Technology
Man constantly seeks the
good life, each with a Science and technology
unique perspective. lead the quest for
happiness today.
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