Philosophical Dimensions of Luck, Chance, Responsibility, Happiness & Human Flourishing

Published: May 6, 2009, 11 p.m.

In this show, we discuss the philosophical dimensions of luck and chance and the role that chance plays in happiness and human flourishing. For the past few weeks, our team has been discussing a modern approach to human flourishing in which self-concordance figures prominently. While we have been focusing on the inner resources necessary for self-concordance, in this show we discuss the external factors or "ecology" that contributes to flourishing, spefically, luck, chance and fortuity. What does Aristotle have to say about luck and chance? How does personal responsibility pertain to flourishing? Does research in contemporary neuroscience undermine the notion of "free will" and responsibility? Join two philosophers, authors, and old friends, Hope May (Central Michigan University) and Mike Russo (University of Maryland) as they discuss these issues.