Why the Universe Exists and The Meaning of Life

STARTER: The Happy vs. Meaningful Life: Stanford Research Reveals...

1. READ "The meaningful life is a road worth traveling"
2. Then answer these questions:

• Briefly summarize 3 different ways the researcher distinguishes between happiness and meaning
• Overall, how would the researcher, Jennifer Aaker, define happiness? How would she define meaning?

AGENDA
1. Discuss starter responses 

• According to her definition of these two concepts, which do you think is more important? Why? 
• Do you agree with Aaker's classifications of happiness and meaning? In other words, are they as separate as Aaker makes them out to be?  Can they exist without each other?  Which do you feel is more dominant in guiding your choices and thoughts in your current phase of life?  Explain your thoughts thoroughly and give examples.  

2. Watch and respond to TED TALK: Why the Universe Exists
In your starter google doc, journal on the following three prompts:

• What different explanations does Holt mention that humans use to explain why the universe exists?
• Which explanation does he arrive at?               
• Which pieces of his discussion do you agree with?  Which do you reject?  What do you personally believe about the universe and its existence?  If you don't really know yet (as many don't), use this writing to wonder in words...           

3. In class reading: Chapter 28: “The Meaning of Life” Richard Taylor
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Homework: Choose a quote from the reading (“The Meaning of Life”) that struck a chord with you personally.  Explain what the quote means to you and how it might relate to your developing philosophy about the meaning of life. Write this down in your STARTER GOOGLE DOC!