So what is happiness? Do we need to be happy? What's the relationship between happiness and a meaningful life? Len Mitchell is a professor of philosophy at Pace University in New York, where he teaches a popular undergraduate course on the Philosophy of Happiness. Len came to this field later in life, retiring from Time Warner after a 22- year career as a tax attorney. 

Topics include:

• Taking advantage of a buy-out from his company at the age of 50 and embarking on a six year quest to get a Ph.D. in philosophy
• The challenges of studying the subject when he had no undergraduate background in it
• How college courses can add value to your life as an older student
• The importance of finding a mentor—and becoming a mentor for someone else
• The philosophy of happiness:  Eudaimonia, of human flourishing
• Religion vs philosophy as guides to happiness
• Happiness as a sense of life purpose
• The importance of embracing new experiences.

Dr. E. Len Mitchell is a Lecturer in Philosophy and Religious Studies.  He holds a baccalaureate degree from Auburn University (1973), a Juris Doctorate degree from Cumberland School of Law (Samford University, 1976), law masters degrees (LL.M.s) i from New York University (1978, 1989), and a Ph.D. from City University of New York Graduate Center (2007). After taking an early retirement from Time Warner, he studied philosophy from 2001 to 2007, culminating in his Ph.D. in Philosophy.  He has taught at Pace University in New York since 2008.

Resources:

These are the books that Prof Mitchell uses in his course on the philosophy of happiness:

Happiness: A History by Darrin McMahon, 2006

Aristotle's Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life, 2019

The Power of Meaning:  Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness, Emily Esfahani Smith, 2017.

Man's Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl, 1959