Utopian Worlds

DUE: Monday, August 25

• One of the enduring questions humans ask of themselves is, “How is one to have a happy life?” We have seen how two Greek philosophers have thought about this problem; we should now consider what we think.
•  Our question is: What is the difference between pleasure (“fun”) and gratification (“kindness”)? Before you begin to answer this question, conduct a brief experiment. It is worth doing this more than once, if you have the time, so you can have more data to discuss.
•  Before the class on Monday engage in one pleasurable activity and one philanthropic activity. Make notes on each: what did you do? What was the setting/context? How did others in the event respond? How did you feel at the moment? How did you feel/what did you think of in the aftermath (the rest of the day, or longer, if applicable).
•  Write a one-page essay comparing the two kinds of experience. Prepare to share with the class.

[Adapted from Martin Seligman, Authentic Happiness (Free Press, 2002)]