The question of happiness is one of the oldest questions, as old as philosophy itself. One might even say that it is the question from which philosophy begins. Yet it is a question which retains its urgency for us today. What makes people happy? What kind of life is conducive to happiness? From talk shows to self-help books and therapy rooms, from philosophy to economics and psychology, the answer to this question remains as important and elusive as ever. In the face of proliferating scientific studies of happiness, what can a return to a humanistic approach, and a return to the Greek tradition, teach us about happiness?

This is the question which will guide the 4^th Annual Platsis Symposium 05 at the UM that will be held by the Modern Greek Program Friday September 16, starting at 3pm in the Vandenberg Room of the Michigan League (911 N. University St.) Talks will be given from 3-6pm, a reception will be held from 6-8pm, and a round table discussion with the speakers will be held from 8-10pm. We will discover that the Greek tradition had a much richer notion of happiness than our own. Instead of a happiness which is simply a subjective and emotional well-being, we can learn how to understand happiness as ethical, as political, as being at stake in the whole narrative of our lives. The speakers will include Stephen White (Univ of Texas, Austin), Darrin McMahon (Florida State Univ) and Daniel Robinson (Oxford Univ).

Direction to the Michigan League

From North: (including Detroit Metro Airport) Take 1-94 to State Street (exit 177); take State Street north three miles to N. University; turn right onto N. University; go two blocks to Fletcher Street; turn left on Fletcher; the League is on your left.

From North: Take US-23 South to M-14 west; exit at Main Street (Exit 3); take Main Street south one mile to Huron Street; turn left onto Huron Street to Fletcher Street; turn right onto Fletcher. The League is one block south to your right.

From West: Take I-94 east; exit at State Street (exit 177); take State Street north three miles to N. University; turn right onto North University; go two blocks to Fletcher Street; turn left onto Fletcher; the League is on your left.

From South: Take US-23 north to I-94 west; exit at State Street (exit 177); take State Street north three miles to N. University; turn right onto North University; go two blocks to Fletcher Street; turn left onto Fletcher; the League is on your left.