Meaning of Life

Answering the question to the meaning of life can be perplexing and deeply personal depending on your morals or what you believe in. It may be simple to discuss the meaning of life in a broad, universal sense like saying "the meaning of life is there is no meaning" or "the pursuit of happiness is the meaning of life." However, Sara, Brandon, and Howie will elaborate on 3 subtopics pertaining to the theme: What gives meaning to life? 

It seems obvious that religion is the sole meaning to life given the fact that most people follow a religion, the united states was built on religion, and many religions explicitly define life's meaning. Hopefully though, Sara will talk about religion in a way you've never thought about. Sara will talk about why humans need religion in a psychological sense then the theorists E.B. Tyler and Emile Durkheim who have ideas about the origins of religion and WHY religion has become such a big part of human life. 

Of course though, not everyone in the 21st century conforms to a religion. 

For some people, pleasure is their sole purpose of life. Howie will talk about Hedonism, pleasure being the most important pursuit of mankind. He will explain what the practice is in general and it's history. He will also talk about its pros and then mention Epicurus' view on living for pleasure, a philosopher who disagreed with it.

Then there's the pursuit of progress. To become the best, most complete person you can be is the goal for many people, whether it be the best athlete, to make the best grades, or even to be the most enlightened. Brandon will talk about how progress can fulfill human lives and it's important use in culture and society. Brandon has prepared to tell the class about different people/philosopher's who have a view on progress in life and even has a video of a Tony Robins, a motivational speaker on the topic of progress.
"What Makes Us HAPPY is PROGRESS!"

Quiz
1. What did Emile Durkheim call powerful feelings from being part of a group/crowd?
2. Who believe religion has evolved?
3. What is the main focus of Hedonism?
4. Who was considered a founder of Hedonism?
5. What does Tony Robins says makes us happy?
6. How do scientists draw conclusions from their hypothesis according to Karl Popper

Discussion Questions
1. Is religion. pleasure, or progress your meaning of life? why? Or do you have a different meaning?
2. What do you think is considered progress?
3. Should we seek pleasure in our lives either by physical interpretation or that of Epicurus?