Questions and Answers
What is happiness in psychology?
A mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions.
What do behaviorists believe happiness is?
What does the hedonistic view of well-being suggest?
What term combines the words for 'good' and 'spirit'?
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According to eudaimonists, how do people pursue happiness?
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Human flourishing as defined by ancient Greek beliefs includes acquiring ______.
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What is the primary focus of Eastern conception regarding human flourishing?
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What does the Western conception of human flourishing emphasize?
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Study Notes
Lesson Objectives
- Identify different conceptions of human flourishing.
- Critique human flourishing in relation to scientific and technological progress.
- Define personal meanings of a good life.
Understanding Happiness
- Happiness is a mental or emotional state characterized by well-being, encompassing positive emotions from contentment to joy.
- Behaviorists view happiness as the result of positive actions and emotions.
- Neurologists associate happiness with the release of hormones in the brain that reward behaviors linked to survival.
Hedonistic View
- Happiness, from a hedonistic perspective, is seen as the absence of pain, where life’s purpose is to maximize happiness and minimize suffering.
Eudaimonia View
- Eudaimonia combines the concepts of "good" and "spirit," defining happiness as the pursuit of becoming a better person.
- Eudaimonists strive for personal growth through intellectual challenges and meaningful activities.
- Associated with Aristotle, eudaimonia represents the pinnacle of happiness, attainable through virtuous living.
Components of Eudaimonia
- Nicomachean Ethics: Philosophical exploration of the good life.
- Key elements in ancient Greek society believed to bring happiness:
- Phronesis (practical wisdom)
- Friends
- Wealth
- Power
Evolution of Human Flourishing
- Modern humans pursue comfort, exploration, product development, and wealth accumulation.
- Today's societal expectation is to be globally engaged, collaborating with institutions and governments towards common goals.
Societal Perspectives on Human Flourishing
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Eastern Conception:
- Community-centric focus where individual sacrifice for the collective good is valued.
- Influenced by systems like Confucianism in China and the Bushido code in Japan.
- Emphasizes the importance of literature, sciences, and arts for societal benefit.
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Western Conception:
- Individual-centered approach, viewing human flourishing as an end goal.
- Rooted in Aristotelian philosophy, aiming for eudaimonia as the ultimate aspiration.
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Description
Explore the varied conceptions of happiness and human flourishing through different philosophical lenses. This quiz covers approaches from behaviorism to hedonism and eudaimonia, examining personal interpretations of a good life. Join in to understand how scientific and technological progress interacts with these ideas.
