What is this lesson about?

This advanced hedonism vs stoicism ESL lesson plan explores two ancient philosophies of happiness and how they shape modern wellbeing. Students engage with high-level vocabulary (e.g. hedonic adaptation, eudaimonia, locus of control, value trade-off) and debate whether a good life comes from pursuing pleasure or cultivating virtue.

How do students learn the new language?

Learners work through a structured, discussion-first sequence:

• Warm-up with a real Stoic quote.

• A reading text comparing hedonism and Stoicism in philosophy and psychology.

• Comprehension and critical thinking questions.

• Vocabulary matching and gap-fill tasks with advanced philosophical terms.

• Debate expressions grouped by function (framing, hedging, evaluating evidence).

• Structured debate rounds to defend both perspectives.

• Reflection and a scaffolded editorial writing task.

  
  

Why is this lesson useful?

By the end, students can:

• Debate happiness, virtue, and pleasure using precise academic language.

• Challenge assumptions, hedge opinions, and weigh trade-offs fluently.

• Integrate philosophy and psychology into nuanced arguments.

• Write persuasively with counterarguments and refutations.

  
  

What makes this lesson special?

This hedonism vs stoicism ESL lesson plan combines timeless philosophical questions with practical debate tools. It challenges learners to think critically and philosophically in English while developing advanced fluency. Flexible for online or in-person teaching, it sparks engaging, meaningful conversations.

Who is it for?

Ideal for adult learners at C1–C2 who want to sharpen their ability to discuss philosophy, wellbeing, and human nature in English. Perfect for teachers seeking advanced materials that merge classic ideas with modern pedagogy.