Skip to content
Home » Online Philosophy Courses » PL 109 Philosophy of Happiness

PL 109 Philosophy of Happiness

Online Philosophy Course

A New Approach to Exploring the Philosophy of Happiness

Do you want to enhance your life by discovering the deeper meanings behind the philosophy of happiness?

Traditionally, opportunities to study philosophy have been restricted. These often involve expensive years of higher education or extensive online courses that are designed for independent study but are rarely completed. This can result in feelings of frustration and disappointment, leaving you without the valuable insights philosophy offers for a more meaningful, authentic, and joyful life. Our Philosophy of Happiness microlearning course provides a solution, allowing you to quickly and effectively grasp key concepts with ease.

Microlearning is an innovative method for studying philosophy that can significantly improve your learning experience. Following the proven SMART goal framework, this approach breaks down learning into manageable segments, progressively helping you build a solid understanding over time.

Course Overview

This course offers a concise yet impactful exploration of the timeless and diverse perspectives on happiness found within philosophy. Over six weeks, you’ll gain valuable insights through short lessons and reflective activities, enabling you to engage with key concepts and integrate them into your daily life.

Course Audience

This introductory-level philosophy course is designed for anyone with an interest in exploring the philosophy of happiness, regardless of prior knowledge or background.

Key Learning Objectives

  • Understand the philosophical underpinnings and theories about happiness.
  • Explore historical and cultural perspectives on happiness in both Western and Eastern traditions.
  • Apply philosophical principles and psychological insights to enrich your personal life.

Course Delivery

This six-week course is delivered in a flexible microlearning format. Each week features a short 5-10 minute video lesson and a reflection or journaling prompt to complete as homework.

Course Description

Lessons

Lesson 1 – Introduction to the Philosophy of Happiness

Lesson 2 – Aristotle and Eudaimonia

Lesson 3 – The Hedonic Approach to Happiness

Lesson 4 – Eastern Philosophies of Happiness

Lesson 5 – Happiness in Utilitarianism

Lesson 6 – Happiness and Modern Psychology

Course Overview and Benefits

This course is thoughtfully crafted to provide a structured yet accessible introduction to the philosophy of happiness. Divided into six concise weekly lessons, it simplifies complex concepts and fosters meaningful engagement with the material. You’ll begin by examining the different ways philosophers define happiness and its significance, addressing fundamental questions about what it means to live a good life.

The course highlights Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, or flourishing, and its profound relevance to personal and communal well-being. You’ll explore how cultivating virtues and employing reason can lead to a fulfilling life. Alongside this, we’ll examine the hedonic approach, which focuses on pleasure and enjoyment, contrasting it with long-term contentment and the deeper aspects of happiness.

Happiness is not confined to Western philosophies, and this course also dives into the rich wisdom of Eastern traditions. From Buddhism’s emphasis on mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths to Taoism’s focus on harmony with nature, these perspectives broaden our understanding of what it means to be truly happy.

Additionally, we will explore happiness through the lens of utilitarian philosophy, discussing how the principle of achieving the “greatest happiness for the greatest number” can impact personal and societal decision-making. Finally, the course connects philosophical ideas with modern psychology by drawing on positive psychology’s evidence-based strategies to enhance well-being and provide practical tools for transforming your daily life.

One of the unique benefits of this course is its microlearning format, which supports learners in steadily building their understanding without feeling overwhelmed. Each lesson is paired with reflective activities tailored to deepen your connection with the material, encouraging introspection and personal growth.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with a nuanced perspective on happiness, grounded in both ancient philosophy and contemporary science. More importantly, you’ll have practical strategies to integrate these insights into your life, empowering you to foster meaningful connections, make wise decisions, and lead a more joyful existence. This immersive yet accessible course is your gateway to unlocking the true potential of the philosophy of happiness.