FYS 4 The Examined Life
Socrates famously said that the unexamined life is not worth living. Even with his example in front of us it is not entirely clear what it would mean to live an examined life. What, for example, is the relationship between an examined life, a good life, and happiness? Do they amount to the same thing? Or are they different? In this course we will read the autobiographies of beatniks, monks, artists, obsessives, entrepreneurs, suburbanites, celebrities and charlatans in an effort to come to terms with what it means to live thoughtfully and with purpose. In the process we will explore the nature of autonomy, pleasure, freedom, vocation and happiness—all in an effort to launch you on your own pursuit of these very questions. Open only to first year frosh.