Chapter 12: Happiness Pearson Longman © 2009 “This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited

Chapter 12:

Happiness

Pearson Longman © 2009

“This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law:• any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network;• preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images;• any rental, lease, or lending of the program.”

THE ART OF BEING HUMAN

9TH EDITION

HEDONISM: HAPPINESS AS PLEASURE

Hedonism – the belief that happiness consists of the sum of the pleasures we experience. Artistippus (435-356 B.C.E.) Laertius (c. 2th century C.E.)



Hedonist Assumptions: Everyone deserves as much pleasure as

possible. Pleasure is automatically good. No amount of pleasure is ever too much. The absence of pleasure is a misfortune

for which compensation is due.Pearson Longman © 2009


Hedonism Reconsidered:Three critical questions: Is this philosophy based on an accurate view

of human nature? Is it accurate to assume that people are

pleasure-loving at all times and in all places? Is it self-defeating to assume that happiness is

the sum total of all possible pleasures?Pearson Longman © 2009

EPICUREANISM: HAPPINESS IS AVOIDING PAIN

Epicureanism – the belief that happiness is freedom from pain.

Epicurus – (c. 341-270 B.C.E.)



Epicurean Assumptions: Noting lasts forever and we must accept

this fact. No one can sustain pleasure over

prolonged periods of time. Therefore, we must exert control and

enjoy pleasure in moderation.Pearson Longman © 2009


Epicureanism Reconsidered:Two critical objections: It has been accused of being as firmly rooted

in self-interest as hedonism. It has been accused of creating people who

are more interested in their own peace of mind than in social causes.


STOICISM: HAPPINESS AS A STRATEGY FOR SURVIVAL

Stoicism – the philosophy of curbing desire to cope with the inevitability of pain.

Zeno (335-264 B.C.E. )



Stoic Assumptions: Pain is intrinsic to living, so we must learn to

cope with it. To find the roots of happiness, we must look

inward. Nothing is under control except the way we

think about things. Tranquility is worth any price.



Stoicism Reconsidered:Four objections: It is too convenient. It is believed that its advocates secretly want

everyone to be as miserable as they are. It is believed that what passes for reason by

its advocates is really rationalization. It is believed that it inspires passivity because

of the expectation of failure.Pearson Longman © 2009

ARISTOTELIANISM: HAPPINESS AS THE QUALITY OF A WHOLE

LIFETIME

Aristotelian Happiness – the belief that pleasure is a limited goal but happiness is a complete goal.

Aristotle (384-322 B.C.E.)



LIFETIME

What is the nature of the highest good, the one that is valued in itself and when reached, leaves nothing else to be desired?

This is the state of complete happiness and must be the goal and purpose of life.



LIFETIMEProviding Happiness: A Government

Responsibility? The government and social institutions only

exist to provide happiness for the people. There must be law and order in a well-

regulated state to insure happiness. The government must be a model of

rationality.Pearson Longman © 2009


LIFETIMEAristotle Reconsidered: There will always be limitations on

happiness. Aristotle’s theory assumes an open society

with the citizens’ welfare as the major concern of government.

Can anyone rely solely on government to provide happiness?


THE HUMANITIES AND UNHAPPINESS

Unhappiness as subject of great works: Hugo’s Les Miserables Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Hopper’s Nighthawks Aswany’s The Yacoubian Building


MODELS OF THE HAPPY LIFEExamples of overcoming barriers: Viktor Frankl Anne Frank Martin Luther King, Jr.


EASTERN PHILOSOPHY OF HAPPINESS

Gandhi (1869-1948) moksha – Hindu highest state of bliss in

which one is free from desire. Mahatma - “one who is wise and good.” brahman – the great soul of which each

person’s soul is a part because the divine spirit dwells in each person.


EASTERN PHILOSOPHY OF HAPPINESS

Buddhist Paths to Happiness: Hinayana - Sanskrit for “little ferryboat” also

called the “narrow path,” the personal attainment of serenity through meditation.

Mahayana – Sanskrit for “big ferryboat,” the wider path to happiness, attainable by helping others find the way.

Dalai LamaPearson Longman © 2009

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Chapter 12: Happiness Pearson Longman © 2009 “This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited