Aristotle on Living the Good Life

This is a 8-meeting virtual class using the Zoom platform. 

Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 6-7:30 pm Central time.

About this class: The question "how should I live?" is unavoidable.  We think about it all the time -- whenever we praise or criticize others, examine our own habits and desires, make a decision, believe an idea, or make a wish.  We've seen many notions about the good life through the centuries, but none approaches it with quite the same clarity as Aristotle (384-322 BC).  Often called the "philosopher of common sense," this ancient Greek philosopher gives us some valuable insights into the common human desire for goodness, how we form it in ourselves through virtues, and ultimately how we pass it on to others through friendship.  Join us on this exploration on Aristotle's book, the Nicomachean Ethics, and consider how this practical wisdom might benefit your own life.

Required Text:

Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Robert C. Bartlett and Susan D. Collins. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2011. - (Other translations will work, but this one is strongly recommended.)

We encourage you to purchase a copy from your preferred bookseller—but a free online version will also be included in your confirmation email after registration.

Skills Acquired: Ethical Reasoning, Self-Reflection, Virtue Ethics Understanding, Philosophical Analysis, Moral Decision-Making, Critical Thinking

Please note: This class will be held live on Zoom during the dates and time listed above. If you can’t attend a session or if the time doesn’t work for you, a password-protected course page will host video recordings for registered participants to watch at their convenience.

Instructor bio: Kevin Walker received his PhD from Claremont Graduate University in 2010. With over 20 years of experience teaching at the college level, he joined the University of Mary as a professor in 2023.