Happiness Philosophy

HAPPINESS PHILOSOPHY

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Can one be happy if her beliefs about the various circumstances of her happiness are false? Many objective theories of happiness could deny a person her happiness if her various life situations were not what she believed. The aim of this paper is to show that the objective state theories about happiness are irrelevant. The essay will begin by discussing a classic thought experiment that is mostly in literature on happiness theory (the misled happy man). It will show how objective theory ideas arise. Having discussed that, the paper will describe the eudaimonian argument by Aristotle that concludes in a thin inflexible standard that can be used to judge the availability of happiness. The paper will look at various subjective theories to contrast the eudaimonian theory. The main point of this essay is happiness is as described by the people who experience it but not the value laden arguments by theorists. Haybron helps in explaining this transition back to an individual. The intention of this paper is not to champion any theory, but to show a probable direction for a good happiness theory.

The subjective/objective split about happiness could be demonstrated using the thought experiment. A great example of such an experiment could be seen in the series ‘Two and a half Men’. Charlie Sheen, the actor of this series, plays the role of a man who lives a ‘perfect life’. He has everything a man could need i.e. a fulfilling job, great relationships and a lavish lifestyle. He enjoys leisure activities with his close friends and feels content with all his achievements and his life. However, Charlie is living a lie, in fact, he was born in a television series, and everyone around him is an actor or an actress. Everything, including his neighbourhood are all sets. His whole environment, his work and his relationships are all untrue. However, this is an illusion that he is totally unaware.

After analyzing the above scenario, a philosopher will ask whether Charlie feels happy. Generally, most people will agree with the fact that Charlie feels happy, however, when pressed further, these same people are reluctant to suggest that “Charlie is living a good life”. If the same individuals are asked whether Charlie is happy, most of them will remain silent. This is because they do not know how to respond since they do not comprehend how a person living a complete lie could be happy.

Therefore, this thought experiment indicates to us that living a happy life and happiness are more than merely pure internal psychological emotions (David, Boniwell & Ayers, 2013).

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