Click on each date to view links to the reading and/or viewing assignments that you need to do in order to be ready for the plenary meeting on that date.
I. Well-Being
January 12
The Concept of Well-Being
January 14
Pleasure
January 21
Desire Satisfaction
January 26
Fulfill your Function
January 28
Union with God
February 2
Well-being and AI
(No standard reading for this class, but please read through the instructions for the AI and Well-being Assignment.)
II. God
February 4
The Idea of God
February 9
The Reason for the Universe
February 11
Would God Allow Suffering?
February 18
In-class Writing Assignment 1: God and Well-being
III. Morality
February 23
Is it Up to Us?
February 25
Is it Up to God?
March 2
Is it All About Me?
March 4
Is it All About Consequences?
March 9
Is it All About Duty?
March 11
Is it All About Virtue?
March 16-20
Spring Break
IV. Death & Meaning
March 23
Review
March 25
In-class Writing Assignment 2: Morality and Well-being
March 30
Death? Who Cares?
April 1
No Meaning for Mortals
April 6
Meaning is Created by Us
April 8
Embracing the Absurd
April 13
Meaning as Desire Fulfillment
April 15
Meaning as Engagement
April 20
Meaning for Mortals
April 22
In-class Writing Assignment 3: Meaning and Well-being
V. The Truth about Well-Being
April 27
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
