Module Code 單元編號 GEK1029 Module Title 單元名稱 MORALITY AND THE GOOD LIFE 道德價值與個人幸福 Module Synopsis 單元概要 What is the relation between the demands of morality and the good life of human beings? In various stages of their lives, people ask themselves “What should I do?” or “What are the best actions that I should perform now?” However, often what is good for the persons may not be the right action to do from a moral point of view. Then, it is uncertain whether, in all relevant cases, people should sacrifice their own interests for morality’s sake, or they may rationally choose to do the immoral action. In this course, our aim is to explore the relation between morality and the good life. We will understand the idea of good life in a broad sense, which include that of happiness, well-being, and the meaning of life. We will also look at the relation between virtue and human well-being. In fact, in the ancient Greek tradition, it is believed that the virtuous person’s life is the happiest one. In that case, the demands of morality and those of the good life coincide with one another. We will consider the case with reference to various schools of Chinese philosophy. Besides rational exploration, using the perspective of Pierre Hadot, we also present philosophies as ways of life that aid individuals’ spiritual transformation. On this understanding, philosophical activities are also spiritual exercises which enable individuals to reshape their way of living and seeing the world. Philosophical activities involve not just conceptual analysis, they add a positive dimension to the agents’ lives too.