Ethics and the Good Life

What does it mean to live a good life? In this half-day course, we explore key ethical traditions—such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and Kantian ethics—and apply them to real-life dilemmas. Participants engage in a reflective exercise on personal integrity and write a personal ethics statement. Through case discussions and critical thinking, this session invites deeper understanding of our moral values and how they inform our choices, character, and relationships.

Suggested Reading: Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael J. Sandel

Info: This session opens with everyday ethical dilemmas—inviting participants to consider what makes something right or wrong. A lively introduction to key ethical theories (virtue ethics, utilitarianism, Kant) is followed by small group work exploring real-life moral scenarios using these lenses.

Info: We take time for a quiet reflective practice—each participant chooses a guiding ethical question and finds a comfortable spot in the room to sit, move, or pace as they silently ponder. Gentle music or ambient sound may accompany this contemplative time. Participants then write a short personal ethics statement to clarify their core principles. We end with group dialogue on how ethics shape how we live.

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