essay

Final Essay

Your Name

2124898958935

Business Administration Major in_____________, Yorkville University

PSYC200: Psychology of Every-Day Life (Hybrid)

Navdeep Kaur

January _, 2021

(*Use Times New Roman, 12 Font, spacing 1:5)

Introduction: 50-70 words

6 themes: 150 words each

Conclusion: 50-70 words

*Use Grammarly – a digital App for correcting mistake

Ideas for Introductory paragraph

Use the first paragraph to introduce your views about writing a philosophy paper. Please appear professional and avoid layman’s language. Here you can talk about your preconceptions of the topic- good life, leisure, happiness, education and good life, religions’ role in creating conditions of good life etc. Sometimes you will be in a better position to write an introduction after you have already written the main body of your paper, for you will then have a better idea of what your argument really is.

If you are attempting the comparison of ancient vs. modern conceptions, look for articles/notes that will help you raise the main argument. Why does happiness matter? Look for “The Guardian Article” or Unit 2, 3 notes. Here is an example of what your introductory paragraph may look like. Disclaimer- You cannot use this . Also, don’t forget to Paraphrase Moodle notes – many students may be using same source as you and plagiarism count may increase if you use direct copy-paste.

What is Happiness? This question is perhaps most central to Philosophy! Research tells happiness brings substantial benefits for society as a whole. For example, a review of more than 160 studies (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2011) found “clear and compelling evidence” that happier people have better overall health and live longer than their less happy peers. So, it becomes all the more rational to look into the dynamics of happiness- one of the most complex dilemmas for humanity and philosophy. Ancient and modern philosophers have sculpted this question in all possible ways, only to find debatable answers. One such debate is about the role of leisure time in enhancing happiness! In the upcoming paragraphs, I will use rational arguments to showcase why _________conception is/ is not a great option for experiencing authentic happiness.

Ideas for middle paragraphs

If you are attempting ancient vs. modern conceptual differences about leisure time use, first introduce the main perspectives briefly. It is highly desirable to cite accurately- do not paraphrase the original ideas about leisure time use by distorting their meaning. I highly recommend the use of Unit 1 or 2 Moodle notes for writing about Aristotle’s point of view (Paraphrase responsibly- many students would be using same content). For utilitarian model (the main modern theory contender), use Moodle notes Week 9 or search google with following keywords- virtue ethics vs Utilitarianism, virtue ethics vs utilitarianism on leisure time use.

For exploring the downsides of virtue ethics (Aristotle’s theory) think why Aristotle’s virtue ethics may not be a great option for modern times- search what people do in leisure time? Do they spend this time for their career progression by building LinkedIn contacts and strive to do better in it? Do people pursue passive entertainment in their leisure time after long hours of work? Do they use social media/Television time for quick amusement and relaxation? Why? Ironically, Aristotle also famously remarked, “there is no leisure for slaves” (1334a20). So, do you see a connection here? Does that mean some form of slavery has still continued into modern times? Is an average industrial age worker a slave with respect to quality time and financial obligations? Are Aristotle’s ideas about leisure time still more suitable to a particular section of society as it was the case in ancient times? It was reserved for noblemen. A common man is usually concerned with wealth acquisition (household management and commerce); these are good as per Aristotle, but only extrinsically so, because these activities have no end in themselves(higher gain). So, what can be done? Do you have solutions? Aristotle also maintained that amusements are more to be used when one is at work, for one who exerts himself needs relaxation, and… we should be careful to use amusement at the right time, dispensing it as a remedy to the ills of work (1337b40). So, does this advice really work for majority of people in the modern-day world? Are modern day people inherently lacking in character virtues or it is just that the conditions are not appropriate for virtue development? And who is responsible for lack of such conditions- both in modern times and that of the ancient times? For Aristotle, true leisure is to be free to pursue studies and activities aimed at the cultivation of virtue (such as music, poetry and philosophy), so is it an option for everyone ? If not, why? If yes, how?

For exploring the downsides of Utilitarian ethics (modern theory), explore the difficulties associated with calculating the greatest good for greatest number. It is true that for a Utilitarian, NOTHING is right or wrong in itself- all depends on the consequences of the act. But, the questions is -how to calculate the greatest good? When you look deeper into the effects of modern-day leisure time activities on environment (shopping in malls, golfing, car rallies, car cruising in the neighborhood, recreational boating etc.) you will find that the impacts are immense- noise and light pollution, consumption of natural and non-renewable resources, creation of sweatshops in third world countries, greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of the ozone layer to name a few. So, how to calculate whether these activities are morally good or bad? After all, majority people are not pursuing Aristotelian leisure, for sure! So, are these options morally wrong? Are their any alternatives? Find them- which recreational activities are less taxing for environment? It is worth considering how much control we have over the consumption patterns of ours and others! Another question that arises is how many people should be satisfied to count the greatest good? If 500 people in a population of 1 million enjoy car rally at every weekend, is it too much wastage of fossil fuel for the pleasure of 500? What should these people have done instead? Moreover- there are few deviant leisure practices that are highly debatable- pornography, sex tourism, drug abuse. How to calculate hedonic calculus for these? Search articles that help you understand Utilitarian viewpoint on these leisure choices. Also, how to know which option produces the greatest resulting happiness? Does meat eating produce greatest happiness for greatest number of people or vegetarian eating? Also, should we calculate the interests of non-human stakeholders like animals) when calculating cost vs. benefits of a leisure time choice?  

Please remember you cannot take both sides (ancient as well as modern) -it weakens the arguments.

Key words for Google Search:

· Social media and leisure time use.

· Leisure time use in industrial world.

· Is quality leisure time reserved for the rich?

· Quick amusement culture and modern work scenario.

· Using leisure time for career progression.

· Socioeconomic conditions necessary for virtue development.

· Why virtue development is difficult in industrial world?

· Leisure time activities that are detrimental to the environment.

· Deviant Leisure practices and Utilitarianism.

· How to know the greatest good for greatest number of people.

· Problems with Utilitarian ethics.

· Problems with conspicuous consumption patterns.

· Conspicuous consumption and leisure time use.

Students’ work- Aristotle’s Rejection

Aman jot- Role of self-interest in moral situations (ref 2), role of materialistic values, maximization tendency, and income satisfaction in predicting personal happiness (ref 3).

Kashmeen- ref 2 point out the exact time around which the modern, subjective theories of happiness started raising the disquieting possibility that happiness could be pursued by amoral, or even immoral, means.

Mohit- Ref 2 shows how leisure was intentionally politicized by aristocrats in an effort to exclude ordinary citizens.

Mayur: Ref 3 contends whether happiness is the highest ideal for which all humans naturally strive.

Students’ work- Aristotle’s Support

Ashraj- Crucial role of Leisure in Humanizing Learning Cities (ref 2)

Ideas for Introductory paragraph PIEPER

If you are attempting Joseph Pieper’s criticism of modern day “leisure”, look for articles/notes that will help you raise the main argument. Look for Unit 1 Moodle notes or Aristotle Essay PPT (April 28th Important Announcements). Week 3 notes also hold significant information about flaws of modern work culture. Don’t forget to paraphrase Moodle notes – many students may be using same source as you and plagiarism count may increase if you use direct copy-paste. If you have submitted same topic in Week 4, create new arguments as your self plagiarized content is likely to increase. Here is an example of what your introductory paragraph may look like. Disclaimer- You cannot use this

Are we prejudiced against leisure in modern times? Do we value too much of entertainment and consumption over and above a religious or intellectual lifestyle? Joseph Pieper addressed these issues while calling for need of authentic leisure- a concept that dates back to Greek times. In upcoming paragraphs, I will defend Joseph Pieper’s views about endless consumption and inadequate leisure styles rampant in modern life. I will show how cultivating free time is not the real problem, the real problem is not knowing how to use it.

Ideas for middle paragraphs (Go to Important Announcements, 28th April- it has lots of quotes and ideas)

Keywords for search

· Is modern day amusement (Internet or other media) is deadening our soul?

· Why we feel empty even after spending hours watching our favorite TV shows?

· Are workplaces becoming our primary source of identities instead of religion or family?

· Pieper’s analysis of modern work culture?

· Threats of overwork and careerism

Students’ work

Gurjot: Ref 3 calls for inclusion of religious and existential perspectives in mainstream education.

Manvir: Ref 2 where Pieper argues that human beings cannot be fulfilled in such a work-a-day existence.

Vivek: Ref 3 about how modern and fast paced living styles have resulted in our lack of time for worship.

Ideas for Introductory paragraph DEWEY

If you are attempting Dewey’s criticism of Aristotle’s ideas on leisure and education, look for Unit 5 notes – they are fully self sufficient. Don’t forget to paraphrase Moodle notes – some students may be using same source as you and plagiarism count may increase if you use direct copy-paste. If you have submitted the same topic in Week 4, create new arguments as your self plagiarized content is likely to increase. Here is an example of what your introductory paragraph may look like. Disclaimer- You cannot use this.

Historically, Aristotle was the first philosopher to ask: what was the proper end of education? By end he means, what is the point? He believed it helps further the culture and manage necessities of life- so, liberal arts should be reserved for the rich, and education for employments for the working class. John Dewey develops a strong objection to this unjust division in education and society. In upcoming paragraphs, I will defend how this division leads to two types of citizens, workers and leaders.

Keywords for search

· Why educational division is unjust?

· Inequality in Teaching and Schooling.

· Structural Inequality in education sector

· Equity and quality in education

· Impact of Unjust psychological divisions

· Impact of racial divisions on Youngsters.

· Doll Test

· Why education should be a free practice for all?

Dewey’s Support – Students’ Work

Rhythm- Ref 2 shows that the work/leisure dichotomy contributes to meaningless leisure pursuits and is the result of class-based education.

Simarvir- Ref 3 can be used in counter-arguments against Aristotle- he concludes that no present city or theory is ideal, implicitly assuming that his ideas have a scope of revision.

Ideas for Introductory paragraph EPICURUS

If you are attempting a criticism of Epicurean ideas on well being and happiness, look for Unit 1, 2 notes – they are fully self sufficient. Don’t forget to paraphrase Moodle notes – some students may be using same source as you and plagiarism count may increase if you use direct copy-paste. If you have submitted the same topic in Week 4, create new arguments as your self plagiarized content is likely to increase if you don’t. Here is an example of what your introductory paragraph may look like. Disclaimer- You cannot use this.

Is too much of state control a barrier for happiness? Is it much better to live simply than to have too much passion for civic status symbols and the obligations of wealth? Is it possible in our high paced, technologically oriented modern society? This essay addresses all these questions by citing invaluable defenses proposed by a timeless philosopher, Epicurus! Epicurus promoted the idea of a reflective life spent away from the hustle and bustle of the city and all its obligations. In upcoming paragraphs, I will defend the idea of living away from the hustle and bustle of city and show how influence of the society is less of a help and more of a burden for any member of that society.

Keywords for search

· A world disillusioned with luxury.

· Why cannot luxury buy mental peace?

· Relationship between income and mental health/well being.

· Modern Lifestyle and anxiety.

· Is city life a barrier for a natural way of living?

· YouTube resources- Green Renaissance, Happen Films.

– Students’ Work

Greshin: Ref 3, 4 show how busy and overworked lifestyle, rather than a leisurely lifestyle, has become an aspirational status symbol because of widespread faulty perceptions.

Manpreet: Ref 3 is very reliable source for Epicurean ideas. Ref 2 for commenting on differences in leisure practices in different cultures.

Mayur: Ref 3 contends whether happiness is the highest ideal for which all humans naturally strive.

FINAL CHECKS

1. 1100 words, +/- 100 words, excluding Title and Reference pages

2. 6 sound academic references- 3 peer reviewed, 3 non-peer reviewed.

3. If you haven’t worked on Bibliography, work on arguments instead.

4. Times New Roman, 12

5. Spacing 1.5

6. Self Check Plagiarism Count before submitting (non admissible limit > 25%)

In-text citations

*( Pay attention- these are used when you have to mention the authors/publishers in the text)

1. For Unit Notes on Moodle

(Yorkville University, n.d)

2. For Professor’s slides

(N. Kaur, Personal Communication, 2021)

3. Two Researchers— Last Name & Last name (year)

Three Researchers*----- Last Name, Last Name and Last Name (year)

More than three-------- Last Name of first author, et.al. (year)

*If you are using the in -text citation of 3 authors more than once, you can use

“et.al.” in those instances.

4. Direct Quotation from book/article etc.

According to Jones (1998), "students often had difficulty using APA style, especially when it was their first time" (p. 199).

5. Paraphrased quotation

APA style is an easy citation format for first-time learners (Jones, 1998, p. 199).

6. You tube video/ Blog

Author/speaker (year)

7. Website article

(Title, year)

End Reference Style

*Pay attention- these references are mentioned at the end of the paper.

1. Unit notes- Moodle

Yorkville University (n.d.). Name of the Chapter [ Unit Notes]. Website address.

Yorkville University (n.d.). Introduction to Leisure and Philosophical Thought [ Unit Notes].https://courses.yorkvilleu.ca/mod/book/view.php?id=1186674&chapterid=231686

2. Professor’s Slides- Chapter 1&2

Kaur, N. (2021). Philosophy Thought and Leisure [ Power Point Slides]. Retrieved from https://courses.yorkvilleu.ca/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=73228729

Kaur, N. (2021). Philosophy, Leisure and Happiness [ Power Point Slides]. Retrieved from https://courses.yorkvilleu.ca/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=73228729

3. Conference Proceedings

Sylvester, C. (2005). A comparison of Ancient and Modern Conceptions of Happiness and Leisure. Proceedings of Eleventh Canadian Congress on Leisure Research.

4. Book Article

Hemingway, J. L. (1991). Leisure and democracy: Incompatible ideals? In G. S. Fain (Ed.), Leisure and ethics: Reflections on the philosophy of leisure (pp. 59-81). Reston, VA: American Association for Leisure and Recreation

5. Online Article

Austenfeld, T. (2000). Josef Pieper's contemplative assent to the world. Modern Age, 42(4), 372-382. https://search.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/josef-piepers-contemplative-assent-world/docview/196865547/se-2?accountid=142373

6. YouTube Video

Wireless Philosophy (2015). Philosophy - The Good Life: Aristotle [ Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFPBf1AZOQg

7. Online Journal Article

Soto, C. J., & John, O. P. (2017). The next big five inventory (BFI-2): Developing and assessing a hierarchical model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 113(1), 117-143.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000096

8. Newspaper article- single author:

Tomassini, A. (1998). Master teachers whose artistry glows in private. The New York Times, p. B2.

9. No known author- retrieved from website:

Cigarette sales fall 30% as California tax rises. (1999). The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com

I think modern day entertainment is unable to hold our attention for a longer period of time and also leaves us as empty as ever before. Having said that, I believe Josef Pieper was right in saying that leisure understood only in terms of entertainment lacks meaning that is satisfactory to the human heart and mind ( N. Kaur, Personal Communication, 2021).