Human Flourishing: Ethics in Work and Everyday Life

What is a good life and how can we live it? How can we find happiness, fulfillment, and flourishing? Throughout history, great thinkers have considered these questions under the umbrella of ethics. In this seminar, we will delve into the three foundational schools of thought—utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics—and explore their relevance to everyday life, including work, friendships, and loving relationships. Come ready to ask tough questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and challenge yourself and others. Along the way, connect with like-minded individuals as we seek to answer one of life’s most essential questions: “What good shall I do this day?”

Virtue Ethics: Do Humans have Purposes?

As human beings, are we born with a potential nature, an essence or purpose? Does our happiness consist in realizing this nature? What’s the relation between happiness so conceived and the virtues? How are virtues acquired? What role does reason play in the life of virtue? What role pleasure?

Reading: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book 1, ch. 1, 7–8, 13; Book 2.

Join the Morningside Institute for a conversation with Dan Addison exploring exploring some key chapters of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. This dinner series on ethics in work and everyday life will take place over dinner from 6 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. at IESE’s New York campus (165 W. 57th Street). A registration fee of $10 offsets the cost of dinner.