About this project
The Good Life
My name is J.J., and my passion in life is helping others learn about the way that philosophy can help us understand and improve our lives. This book is the culmination of my life's work up to this point, and I am extremely passionate and excited about seeing it come to completion. The funds raised here will help me add the interactive elements to this project.
Interactive
Explore the meaning of life and different ideas of what constitutes the good life with this interactive book that is written in clear, easy to understand language. I will use interactive QR codes that can be scanned using your phone in order to add additional content to this book, including access to polls, discussion forums, videos, and interviews with others!
Here's an example of a QR code that leads to my website:
Content
Below is a preview of the topics that are covered by this book:
- Introduction to the spirit and pursuit of philosophy (Socratic Method)
- Challenges with discussing happiness
- External theories of happiness (Hedonism, Epicureanism, Utilitarianism)
- Internal theories of happiness (Stoicism, Buddhism)
- Positive psychology and the science of happiness
- Pessimism and arguments against happiness
- Virtue and happiness
- How modern media impacts happiness
- Death
- Guide to finding meaning in life
Support
If you are able to, please pledge to see that this project can become a reality. If you’re unable to pledge or in addition to your financial contribution, you can help spread the word!
Here are four ways you can help let others know about this project:
- Email your friends asking them to check out this Kickstarter page or the website: http://www.philosophymatters.org
- Share this Kickstarter page on your Facebook wall or Twitter
- You can also share/repost the promotional videos, which you can find here.
- You can also “like” us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PhilosophyMatters.
Risks and challenges
1. Explaining philosophy in a way that's easy to understand, yet still accurate.
One of the biggest challenges any time you deal with philosophy is walking the line between discussing ideas in a way that is easy to understand but still able to accurately represent those ideas. In addition to teaching introduction to philosophy courses at the university level, I have also taught philosophy at the middle school and high school levels, which has helped me learn how to best discuss philosophy with a general audience. In addition, I have been blogging for a general audience for almost year at the site philosophymatters.org. In addition, I have published chapters in several of the pop culture and philosophy book series, such as Doctor Who and Philosophy and Radiohead and Philosophy. This experience has prepared me to be able to write a philosophy book that is approachable even by those who have never had a philosophy course or read another philosophy book in their life.
2. Completing an entire book and getting it published
Actually following through and completing a book and knowing how to get it published can be a major challenge, but I've already done so with two other books that can be found now through Amazon.com: The Effects of TV and Hugs, Kisses & All the Rest. I have the dedication and know-how to bring this project to completion!
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Funding period
- (30 days)