Living a Good Life in Spite of Evil

The author distinguishes between three models of the good life that are prominent in the Western tradition : the satisfaction-model, the self-actualization-model and the fellowship-model. These three models are subjected to a comparative analysis, in which the key question regarding each of these models is : In what way and to what extent does it help its adherents to cope with experiences of evil and suffering ? On the basis of this analysis, the author argues for the untenability of nonrealist views of these models, and constructs his own view of the good life.