In this course we will investigate the following four fundamental ethical concepts: Happiness, freedom, practical rationality, and moral conduct. We will study these concepts in their interconnectedness. Thus, we will ask whether moral conduct and happiness go hand in hand or, whether by their very nature, they stand in tension with one another. Furthermore, we will ask whether, just as we tend to consider the pursuit of happiness an exercise of our freedom, we should also understand moral conduct as free. Special attention will be given to the claim that moral life is the highest actualization of human freedom and practical rationality. To explore these themes, we will concentrate on ethical works by Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Hegel.