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 & Friendship

On what basis do we form different relationships, e.g. our business relationships? Are they based on pleasure, utility, the mutual recognition of virtue, or perhaps some of one and some of the other? Are they a form of friendship? Should they be? Are relationships based merely on mutual advantage less stable that those based on virtue? Should we remain friends, or associates, with those who act unjustly or immorally?

Reading: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book 8, ch. 1–7, Book 9, ch. 1, 4–5.

Join the Morningside Institute for a conversation with Dan Addison exploring exploring Aristotle’s account of friendship. 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.