WEEK 2

Ch. 4: St. Augustine

6) According to St. Augustine, is it possible to achieve true happiness by focusing on our body only? Why or why not? Do you agree or disagree, and why?

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WEEK 3

Ch. 5: St. Thomas Aquinas

1) How would St. Thomas defend himself (if, indeed, such a defense is possible) against the charge of being “homophobic” (a word that did not exist in his time, but which is fairly common today)? Would you find his defense plausible? Why or why not?

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Ch. 7: Hume

5) According to Hume, would justice be necessary in a utopian society? Why or why not? Do you think he is correct, and why?

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Ch. 8: J.S. Mill

6) Explain John Stuart Mill’s theory of higher and lower pleasures: Are there any problems inherent in the theory? Overall, does Mill’s idea of higher and lower pleasures make sense to you? Why or why not?

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WEEK 4

Ch. 9: Nietzsche:

1) Briefly explain Nietzsche’s claim that “every elevation of the type ‘man’ has hitherto been the work of an aristocratic society and so it will always be”? Do you agree? Why or why not?

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Ch. 10: Sartre:

3) What exactly does Sartre mean when he says that “If God does not exist, then everything is permitted”? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

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Chapter 11: Theodore Dalrymple:

4) According to Dalrymple, what is the fundamental difference between “depression” and “unhappiness”? Are you persuaded by his argument? Why or why not?