The Problem of Happiness in the Ancient World

A Sophia On-Line Course

Dr. Michael S. Russo

Department of Philosophy

I.  Introduction

 

1.  The Problem of Human Happiness

2.  Is Happiness Possible?

 

II.  Flawed Approaches

 

1.  Introduction

2.  Fatalism

3.  Hedonism

5.  Immoralism

 

III.  Classical Solutions

 

1.  Introduction:  The Fifth Century

2.  Socratic Rationalism

3.  Platonic Idealism

4.  Aristotelian Virtue Ethics

 

IV.  Solutions from Late Antiquity

 

1.  Introduction:  The Hellenistic Age

2.  Skepticism

3.  Cynicism

4.  Epicureanism

5.  Stoicism

6.  Neo-Platonism

 

V.  The Christian Alternative

 

1.  Introduction:  The Early Church

2.  St. Augustine

 

VI.  Conclusion

 

1.  Assessing the Alternatives

2.  Developing Your Own Approach to Happiness

 

 

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© M. Russo, 2002.  Permission is granted for electronic copying, distribution in print form for educational purposes, and personal use.  If you reduplicate the document, be sure to indicate the source.  No permission is granted for commercial use.   For more information contact:  mrusso@molloy.edu

Department of Philosophy   |   Sophia Project