Living Well Online
In this course, which is one of the signature initiatives of the Forum on Human Flourishing, students reflect philosophically on human happiness, flourishing, and virtue, with a focus on the challenge of living well in a digital age. Along with classic philosophical texts by Plato, Aristotle, and others, we read and discuss a number of contemporary authors who have reflected on the ways that our lives are changed by the pervasive presence of digital technology. Specific topics covered include the use of algorithms as a substitute for human deliberation, the difficulty of finding truth in digital spaces, the toxicity of online discourse, the value of face-to-face conversation, the nature of friendship, the influence of digital technology on human relationships, and the value of contemplative study and learning.
For Spring 2026 offerings, see the Course Explorer.
Selected Student Feedback
- I have never enjoyed a college course as much as this one. Everything covered was interesting and made me think more about my own life and actions. I would take this course over and over again if I could.
- Overall, the course was unlike any other course that I have taken. It was very thoughtful and engaging. This is one of the few courses that I feel like has changed some of the ways that I live (ie. being more conscientious of my phone use), and will be an incredibly valuable asset to me as I continue to make my way through college and eventually the work force.
- I loved the course structure! The analog assignments felt like the first time I was excited to do work for a class. They balances real life experiences and well as the philosophical concepts we were learning perfectly and also allowed me a way to bring my philosophical learning to others around me, which they also enjoyed.
- I enjoyed the extensive reading in the course. It helped me develop reading as a more regular habit, which I really appreciated. I really enjoyed how the class was more discussion-based and how no thought felt too simple or dumb. Further, I really enjoyed all the different activities we did too, such as giving mini presentations, having to analyse parts of the text together, going outside for some lectures, etc. I gained a lot from the course.
- The course asks a lot of difficult questions and gets you to think about the consequences of technology and how we should try to live with technology, so the major strength of the course is it got me to think a lot. Overall, the course was really stimulating and has broadened my view of the world so it was a great course.
- This class heavily influenced the way I use technology in my life, and I’m sure that things I learned in this class will inform my interactions with digital technology in the future.
- Everything about the class was super engaging. Class discussions, readings and commonplace book, and analog assignments were all well connected and resulted in a well rounded experience. I really can’t overstate how much I’ve gained from this class. This is my last semester here, and I feel that my college education has been significantly more valuable having taken this class than it would have been otherwise. Thank you!
Photos: Krannert Art Museum class visit, April 2025
