Living a Good Life: Greek and Jewish Perspectives

(4 Credits)

What makes a life well lived? Through a close reading of primary sources we'll explore classic Jewish and Greek approaches to this problem. Central questions will include: Does living well require acquiring knowledge and wisdom? What’s the place of moral responsibility in a good life? Is a good life, a happy life or does it require sacrificing happiness? Does religion lead to living well or hinder it? How do love and friendship contribute to a good life? We'll not only explore these questions theoretically, but also test them practically to see how our responses to them can enhance personal well-being.