The Good Life

Topic: The Good Life

Chairman:
Mary Kennedy

Moderator:
Spencer Sinclaire

Meetup Date:
Wednesday, January 21st. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a 15 minute break at 8:00 p.m.

Meetup Location:
Upstairs at The Bent Mast, 512 Simcoe St. Victoria, BC, V8V 1L8

Members:
If you plan to attend, please take a moment and RSVP. If your plans change and you cannot attend, to the right of your name there are three dots, please click on them and move yourself to “Not Going.” Thank you.

Quotes:
"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." ~ Marcus Aurelius

"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination." ~ Carl Rogers

Synopsis:
A good life philosophy centers on achieving eudaimonia (human flourishing/fulfillment) through a combination of virtue, reason, meaning, and sometimes pleasure, contrasting simple happiness with a deeper, objective state of living well, as argued by thinkers like Aristotle (virtue, reason) and Epicurus (moderate pleasure), while modern views add self-actualization, strong relationships, and managing internal states, recognizing it’s a personal yet principled journey, not just a feeling.

Core Philosophical Perspectives

• Aristotle (Virtue Ethics): The good life is living in accordance with reason, developing virtues (courage, temperance) through habit to achieve eudaimonia, a state of flourishing, not just fleeting pleasure. It involves using your highest human capacity (reason) well.

• Epicurus (Hedonism): The good life is a life of pleasure, but defined as the absence of pain and disturbance (ataraxia), achieved through simple living, friendship, and moderation, not excessive indulgence.

• Plato: A virtuous character, achieved through knowledge and moral principles, is key, suggesting a life of luxury isn’t inherently good; true understanding of the Good leads to a good life.

• Stoicism (Marcus Aurelius/Irvine): Focuses on inner tranquility by differentiating between what you control (your responses, judgments) and what you don’t, practicing negative visualization to appreciate the present and build resilience.

• Existentialism/Modern Views (Rogers, Wallace): The good life involves personal freedom, creating meaning, embracing experience, creativity, and adapting to life’s challenges, often emphasizing an “enriching” process over a fixed state of happiness.

Key Themes

1. Definition vs. Happiness: Distinguish between subjective “happiness” (feeling good) and the objective “good life” (living well, flourishing), a common philosophical debate.

2. Virtue & Reason: Emphasize Aristotle’s idea that character development and rational choice are central.

3. Meaning & Purpose: Discuss how finding purpose, whether through relationships, work, or contribution, defines the good life for many.

4. Internal vs. External: Contrast views that seek external goods (wealth, fame) with those that focus on internal states (wisdom, contentment).

5. Process, Not Destination: Highlight that the good life is an ongoing journey of self-improvement, choice, and experience, not a static achievement.

Watch:
Watch "PHILOSOPHY - The Good Life: Aristotle" on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/VFPBf1AZOQg?si=uYDNbkAuA0iOHBhe