MIDTERM GROUP REPORTS

I'll ask on the 15th for everyone to identify their groups and topics, and then name an author & rep to consult with me and to post your group's report summary later; but if you figure it out sooner than that let me know, so you can stake your claim to the topic of your group's choice. Or, if you know a topic you'd like to do but haven't yet found anyone to work with, post it here in a comment. Maybe someone will find you.

A few possible topics (help me think of more):

• Select one of Haybron's chapters, consult some of the sources named in his "further reading" at the end, and critique (support or criticize) his main claim(s) in the chapter.
• Select a pre-Descartes philosopher of happiness (see the "library of happiness" and "historical links" in the right sidebar); explicate/critique three different aspects of that philosopher's views.
• Present and defend or oppose a contrarian view of happiness like Eric Wilson's or Barbara Ehrenreich's (see the "lib'y of h'ness")
• Explore differences of approach to happiness between east and west. Do you think the Buddhists, for example, have a better perspective on our "pursuit" than we have?
• Think about the happiest people you've known, or the happiest times in your own life. What was distinctively different about their (or your) life-approach, that would seem to account for their (your) happiness? Does that reinforce or contradict Haybron's analysis?
• Assemble a happiness soundtrack (including of course Pharrell Williams, and the Rolling Stones' "Happy," and _____... Tell us what each selection says to you about the status of happiness in contemporary popular culture, and what music in general contributes to human well-being.
• Discuss the convergence of happiness, meaning, virtue, and service. Do the happiest people lead more virtuous, meaningful, socially constructive lives?
• Select any three of the discussion questions we've posed in class. Respond to them at length, pointing out significant mutual implications that lead the members of your reporting group to agree or disagree; perform a debate for us.
• Read and report on at least three chapters of Haybron's book The Pursuit of Unhappiness: The Elusive Psychology of Well-being.
• Read and report on at least three chapters of Eric Weiner's The Geography of Bliss.
• Your ideas here...

Topics already claimed:

• Find the Happiness-themed TED Talks, select a few of your favorites (or, your least favorites), post them on our site along with your own accompanying remarks and present them in class. -Dilvin, Jennifer, and Dustin.
• Music and happiness - Kodi, Blake, Alex
•  We will discuss people's happiness to what haybron says about happiness and compare our own personal happiness to haybron a Ideas of happiness - Dilyse Jesse crystal
• Happiness east and west - Damon, Caroline, and Jessica
• Happiest people we know - Shawn, Zac, Lance (A bit of redundancy with the next-listed report topic, but it's ok - unless you all know the same people!)
• Think about the happiest people you've known, or the happiest times in your own life. What was distinctively different about their (or your) life-approach, that would seem to account for their (your) happiness? Does that reinforce or contradict Haybron's analysis? - Fadi, Kirulus and Amir
• [3 DQs] - Jalen, Christina, Mills
• Still seeking grouip/topic - Lane

If you are your group's designated author/rep, please see me during/after class to sign up. Once the presentation schedule has been announced, plan on posting your group's summary ASAP (you can edit and revise it later if need be).