Pacifica Stories

On March 13, students and guests spent the day engaging some of philosophy’s most enduring questions during two events with visiting scholar Dr. Christopher Kaczor.

The Four Levels of Happiness and Rival Views of the Human Person

Earlier in the day, students gathered in the 20th Street Seminar Room for a Socratic-style seminar with Dr. Kaczor titled “The Four Levels of Happiness and Four Rival Views of Humans.” The seminar invited participants to reflect on one of the most fundamental philosophical questions: What does it mean to be truly happy?

Drawing from philosophical and theological traditions, Dr. Kaczor introduced students to four distinct levels of happiness and explored how each corresponds to different understandings of human nature and human dignity. Students examined how common ideas of happiness—such as pleasure, achievement, or success—compare to deeper forms of fulfillment, including altruistic love and the love of God.

The conversation encouraged students to consider how our understanding of happiness shapes the way we view the purpose of life and the value of the human person. Through thoughtful dialogue and guided questions, the seminar sparked lively discussion as students weighed competing perspectives on what ultimately satisfies human desires.

Is Belief Believable? A Fireside Conversation

Later that evening, guests gathered at the Seawolf Campus for a fireside-style conversation with Dr. Kaczor centered on his recent book, Is Belief Believable? Reasoning About God from Plato and Aquinas to C.S. Lewis and Jordan Peterson.

The event explored another profound question at the intersection of philosophy and theology: Can belief in God be rationally justified?

During the moderated discussion, Dr. Kaczor addressed common claims that faith is irrational, incompatible with reason, or that the concept of God is logically incoherent. Drawing on insights from both philosophy and theology, he presented arguments that challenge the supposed conflict between faith and reason while highlighting how great thinkers throughout history have approached the question of God.

The evening concluded with an engaging audience question-and-answer session, followed by a book signing in which several attendees received signed copies of Dr. Kaczor’s book.

Together, the day’s events offered students and guests the opportunity to reflect deeply on questions of happiness, human nature, and belief—demonstrating how philosophical inquiry continues to illuminate some of life’s most meaningful pursuits.