Len Mitchell: From Attorney to Philosophy Professor, exploring the formula for happiness

24/11/2021 32 min Episodio 11
Len Mitchell: From Attorney to Philosophy Professor, exploring the formula for happiness

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Episode Synopsis

So what is happiness? Do we need to be happy? What's the relationship between happiness and a meaningful life? Len Mitchell is a professor of philosophy at Pace University in New York, where he teaches a popular undergraduate course on the Philosophy of Happiness. Len came to this field later in life, retiring from Time Warner after a 22- year career as a tax attorney. Topics include:Taking advantage of a buy-out from his company at the age of 50 and embarking on a six year quest to get a Ph.D. in philosophyThe challenges of studying the subject when he had no undergraduate background in itHow college courses can add value to your life as an older studentThe importance of finding a mentor—and becoming a mentor for someone elseThe philosophy of happiness:  Eudaimonia, of human flourishingReligion vs philosophy as guides to happinessHappiness as a sense of life purposeThe importance of embracing new experiences.Dr. E. Len Mitchell is a Lecturer in Philosophy and Religious Studies.  He holds a baccalaureate degree from Auburn University (1973), a Juris Doctorate degree from Cumberland School of Law (Samford University, 1976), law masters degrees (LL.M.s) i from New York University (1978, 1989), and a Ph.D. from City University of New York Graduate Center (2007). After taking an early retirement from Time Warner, he studied philosophy from 2001 to 2007, culminating in his Ph.D. in Philosophy.  He has taught at Pace University in New York since 2008.Resources:These are the books that Prof Mitchell uses in his course on the philosophy of happiness:Happiness: A History by Darrin McMahon, 2006Aristotle's Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life, 2019The Power of Meaning:  Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness, Emily Esfahani Smith, 2017.Man's Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl, 1959

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