IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY…

JOURNAL QUESTION: What are some things people do today that give them a FALSE sense of happiness? Explain.

FREEDOM OF INDIFFERENCE VS. FREEDOM FOR EXCELLENCE

FREEDOM OF INDIFFERENCE Put forward by William of Ockham in the 14th century Is based on a view of God as a supreme judge God’s will is free to do whatever God wishes We must follow God’s will or else we are sinning Our will is NOT connected to God’s will Morality is based on Obligations

FREEDOM FOR EXCELLENCE Put forward by Thomas Aquinas in 14th century It views God as a coach to help us become better people It views freedom like a muscle or a skill that develops Morality is based on the question of the absolute Good and Truth The goal of morality is for us to become happier As time goes on, we should understand better God’s will.

What’s so important about Joy? It is the goal of Freedom for Excellence It is what God wants for each of us It is what WE want for ourselves “This desire [joy] is of divine origin: God has placed it in the human heart in order to draw man to the One who alone can fulfill it.” (CCC #1718)

PLEASURE VS. JOY PLEASURE JOY -Pleasure is a nice feeling when someone encounters some exterior good. -Pleasure always avoids pain -Pleasure is brief and superficial -Pleasure is something individual that decreases when you have to share it with others Joy is something interior that results when someone does something good. - Joy works through pain to come to a greater good. - Joy lasts for a long time - Joy is for all to experience and actually grows when you share it