Happiness and the Good Life

What is happiness? And how, if at all, is it related to goodness? In this course, we examine classic and contemporary responses to these questions. Our approach will be guided by the three Anglican sources for theological reflection: scripture, tradition and reason. We begin with recent insights on the nature of happiness from positive psychology (Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman). Second, we turn to classic and contemporary philosophical texts on happiness and the good life (Aristotle, Seneca, and Julia Annas). Third, we will read classic and contemporary theologians on the nature of happiness in the Christian life (Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Ellen Charry). Finally, we explore the theme of happiness in the Old and New Testaments. Based on the sources of scripture, tradition, and reason, students will be encouraged to answer for themselves the question: What is happiness?