What this course isnot. It is not the A. B, Cs on happiness. It makes no claims to acquiring happiness in 1, 2 , 3 steps. It doesnot reduce the human condition to basicprinciples.It does not claim that acquiring happiness is easy or the same for everyone. It makes no promise of being able tomake you happy. Happiness is complicated, because humanity is complicated, especially in its individually realized states.But it does aim to provide a paradigm which has survived the centuries, been tried and tested, and which remains compatible with present-day aspirations. It will be in understanding some of the underlying assumptions and philosophical premises of Aristotle (for the most part) that you will be better positioned to comprehend your own paradigms of life, and take counsel in life lessons you bring to your life through the voice of Aristotle and others. But this will require your commitment, and discipline as you delve into the readings. I aspire not to make it easy as that wouldbe demonstratively self-annihilating. But alas,it is not easy. That we expect it should be is a lesson already won if you venture to register for the course.
In this course you will gain insights from the greatest philosophers in human history on the good life, or human happiness. With a hands-on approach, you will learn
You know there are no "happy pills", "magic formulae" or any long-lasting "quick fixes"! This is your life we are talking about! You'll want to invest in this project, in YOU, to (re)build a successful and happy life. By the end of this course you will rid yourself of bad habits, recognize common flaws in your reasoning, find the source of your anxieties and become a balanced, passionate, vibrant and happy person.
What are you going to get out of this course? You will acquire fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for life. You'll understand that Socrates' famous saying "the unexamined life is not worth living" is about the danger of floating with stream of life, and the importance to stem the tide and run your own course.
