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Chapter 12:
Happiness
Pearson Longman © 2009
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THE ART OF BEING HUMAN
9TH EDITION
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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.)
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HEDONISM: HAPPINESS AS PLEASURE
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
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HEDONISM: HAPPINESS AS PLEASURE
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
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EPICUREANISM: HAPPINESS IS AVOIDING PAIN
Epicureanism – the belief that happiness is freedom from pain.
Epicurus – (c. 341-270 B.C.E.)
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EPICUREANISM: HAPPINESS IS AVOIDING PAIN
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
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EPICUREANISM: HAPPINESS IS AVOIDING PAIN
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.
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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. )
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STOICISM: HAPPINESS AS A STRATEGY FOR SURVIVAL
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.
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STOICISM: HAPPINESS AS A STRATEGY FOR SURVIVAL
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
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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.)
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ARISTOTELIANISM: HAPPINESS AS THE QUALITY OF A WHOLE
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.
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ARISTOTELIANISM: HAPPINESS AS THE QUALITY OF A WHOLE
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
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ARISTOTELIANISM: HAPPINESS AS THE QUALITY OF A WHOLE
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?
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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
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MODELS OF THE HAPPY LIFEExamples of overcoming barriers: Viktor Frankl Anne Frank Martin Luther King, Jr.
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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.
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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