questions

QUESTION 1 How do each of Aristotle and Epictetus define the end, telos, or ultimate good of human life? Each asserts that the life of pleasure (or hedonism) and/or that of honour (or good reputation) are not conducive to achieving our ultimate end or good. What reasons do they offer in support of this assertion? According to each, what kind of life or conduct is required to achieve this end? Why, for both, is the exercise of our rational faculties or good judgement indispensable to living the good life? QUESTION 2 What problems does Jenkins identify with the pursuit of happiness? What do we learn from Hector, in the film Hector and the Search for Happiness, about the pursuit of happiness? What possible solutions to these problems does Jenkins mention? And what, ultimately, constitutes the good (and happy) life for Hector? QUESTION 3 How do each of Plato and Kant describe our original, unenlightened, state? Both claim that there are obstacles that prevent us from leaving this unenlightened state. What are they? According to each, what is enlightenment? How is it achieved? Does the state of enlightenment promise happiness?