Prompt for the Essay:
Using ideas from at least three of our readings and discussions on Value Theory, make an argument as to what you think constitutes a good life. Be sure to thoroughly explain the relevant philosophical concepts and how they fit into and support your argument. Sample from these ideas and synthesize them into your own argument. Then, consider counter-arguments or counterexamples: why might someone disagree with your argument (explain their claim and reasoning) and why would they be mistaken (refute the counterargument by showing that it is based on faulty reasoning or false premises). Avoid ad hominem arguments (Links to an external site.) when refuting a counterargument. The purpose of this assignment is for you to demonstrate your mastery of content from this course.
Essays should be at least 1200 words in length.
Do not use other sources-no other books or websites.
The book to use: Russ Shafer-Landau – The Fundamentals of Ethics
This is the beginning of the essay:
I argue that truth, significant achievement, and meaning constitute a good life.
Nozicks Experience Machine shows us that truth, or reality, is intrinsically valuable. It shows that accomplishment is also intrinsically valuable because it matters whether the accomplishments are reality or not.
According to Hooker, significant achievement is an element of well-being. Living a morally good life is a significant achievement, and therefore an element of well-being.
According to Wolf, meaning is an element of well-being. A meaningful life includes active engagement in projects of worth.
