26-H206 Human Worth and Wisdom Today: Lessons from Aristotle – Don Carmichael
This course is an introduction to the ancient wisdom of the West by focusing on the importance today of some central ideas about human life – worth and worthiness, friendship and wisdom – as originally presented in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. The course will be discussion-based. No background is assumed and no readings are required. Aristotle is used only because his work provides an excellent basis for thinking about these issues today in terms that are accessible, engaging and – fun!
Topics include:
Week 1: The framework. Different ways to think about values and the individual in relation to family and society.
Week 2: Educating minds and emotions for life. The importance of character, crucial character traits today, the sense of justice and practical wisdom.
Week 3: Happiness and well-being. The nature of happiness, its relation to wealth, success and power, and the importance of friendship.
Instructor: Don Carmichael
Dr. Don Carmichael retired from the University of Alberta in 2014 after 44 years of service. He is now a professor emeritus (Political Science) and adjunct professor (Philosophy). He received many awards for teaching excellence. He is the co-author of Democracy, Rights and Well-being in Canada (2 editions: 1991, 1999), the editor of From Philosophy to Politics (2005) and the author of many articles in the history of political thought and current political theory. He has been very active in community service, both within the university and in the Edmonton community.
