discussion suggested topics

Some topics to think about for this discussion are:

What do Epicurus, Mill, and Hurka say happiness is? How would each think of the distinction in Fundamentals between physical pleasure and attitudinal pleasure?

Explain why Epicurus thinks some pleasures should not be chosen. Discuss which argument in Chapter 1 of Fundamentals best supports hedonism.

Hedonism says that happiness is both necessary  and sufficient for a good life. Explain what this means. Which arguments in Fundamentals does the author think are compelling arguments against hedonism? What do you think?

Does Nozick's experience machine argument (see Fundamentals p. 36-39) show that happiness is not necessary for a good life? What exactly does the argument show?

Most students and others I've asked say they agree with the Life's Trajectory argument in Fundamentals. I find it hard to satisfactorally explain why an upward trending life is better than other trends.  What explanations can we think of together?