Happiness HU 300

How do you define Happiness?

Moral Philosophy on Happiness How easy is it to attain happiness? Moral philosophy tells us that the problem becomes complex when we attempt to spell it out: what does it mean to live the “good life”? Is it all about pleasure? Is based on strict moral principles? Or is it the praise of others? The need for happiness becomes acute when it disappears Sense of something missing Is joy the equivalent of happiness?

Definition How does the definition of happiness change over a lifetime?

Hedonism: Happiness as Pleasure Aristippus described happiness as the sum total of pleasures experienced during one’s life He asked, is there anything greater than being happy? Historian Laertius commented on Aristippus stating that from the time people are able to make choices they choose options that have the most pleasure and least pain Hedonism: happiness as equivalent to physical pleasure and to possession of things that bring pleasure Think of “Carpe Diem” “He who dies with the most toys wins” Hedonism carries reputation of recklessness There never seems to be enough pleasurable moments in life

Epicureanism: Happiness Is Avoiding Pain The ending of a bad toothache as happiness Epicurus was critical of excessive pleasure arguing that no life could ever be long enough if happiness was the increase of continual physical pleasures Epicurus assumption: no one can sustain pleasure over long periods of time, therefore, this cannot be the complete definition of happiness

Stoicism: Happiness as a Strategy for Survival Philosophy tells us not to plan ahead for a lifetime of unlimited pleasure nor to expect to avoid pain through discipline and moderation Asserts pain is intrinsic to living best course is to be prepared for the worst and develop techniques for dealing Sees will as the means through which each of us can control our responses to external events To find roots of unhappiness, we must look inward for answers Nothing is under our control except how we think and deal with things

Artistotelianism: Happiness as the Quality of a Whole Lifetime Happiness as the purpose for which we live Happiness is living and having a good life a good life means being on the right path The reason that we want material things is that they provide happiness but they are not happiness in themselves Defines happiness as the highest or final good. Our highest achievements Reason is equated with virtue Happiness is a life in accordance with reason and virtue Also argue that the only goal of government is to see that its people are happy

Eastern Philosophy on Happiness Gandhi: Hindu teaches that the divine spirit dwells within each person Therefore, the great soul is fundamentally good Desires (physical and material) lead to despair and frustration Multiplied by an entire population, there becomes oppression, war, violence that is cyclical Buddhists: bliss or nirvana is a twofold nature Hinayana: involves moral conduct- self-help; lifting of spirits Mahayana: larger perspective – helping others- without self congratulations- takes tremendous sacrifice

Happiness Generally Though the definitions may vary, are there overall elements that are required for something to be considered happiness?

The Story of Happiness How do our views of happiness reflect cultural myths?

Pop Happiness Consider the mythic figures of celebrities in our culture. How is happiness defined by American media and advertising?