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Questions and Answers
How do Greeks generally define happiness?
How do Greeks generally define happiness?
Which philosopher equates happiness with living a moral life and controlling desires?
Which philosopher equates happiness with living a moral life and controlling desires?
According to utilitarianism, actions are moral when they:
According to utilitarianism, actions are moral when they:
What element of happiness is defined as satisfaction with one’s life?
What element of happiness is defined as satisfaction with one’s life?
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Which of these elements of happiness allows a person to control their own destiny?
Which of these elements of happiness allows a person to control their own destiny?
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What is the primary way that Eastern philosophers suggest achieving happiness?
What is the primary way that Eastern philosophers suggest achieving happiness?
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Which component of the Noble Eightfold Path involves right understanding of suffering?
Which component of the Noble Eightfold Path involves right understanding of suffering?
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What must one abstain from to achieve Right Speech?
What must one abstain from to achieve Right Speech?
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Study Notes
Defining Happiness
- Happiness can be understood as a positive mental state or an evaluation of one's life experiences.
- Eudaimonia, meaning "good spirit," refers to a state of well-being or happiness.
Philosophical Perspectives on Happiness
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Ancient Greeks: Happiness is a goal to be achieved, and a good life is a happy life.
- Plato: Happiness involves living morally, practicing virtues, fulfilling duties (personal and political), and controlling desires.
- Aristotle: Happiness is the primary human motivation, achieved through practicing virtues and striving for excellence.
- Epicurus: Happiness means living a peaceful life free from fear and discomfort.
- Religious Philosophers: Happiness is union with God (e.g., St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas).
Utilitarianism
- Actions are considered moral if they produce the greatest happiness for the most people.
Three Elements of Happiness
- Contentment: Satisfaction with one's life.
- Welfare: Fulfillment of personal wants and desires.
- Dignity: Ability to control one's destiny and live a chosen life.
Eastern Philosophies and Happiness
- Happiness is achieved through practical methods rather than abstract concepts.
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Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path: A guide to achieving a good life through self-cultivation and ethical conduct.
- Right Faith: Understanding suffering, its cause, its end, and the way to end it.
- Right Thought: Freedom from lust, cruelty, and ill intent.
- Right Speech: Avoiding lies, slander, harsh language.
- Right Action: Abstaining from killing, stealing, immoral actions, and intoxicants.
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Description
Explore various philosophical perspectives on happiness, including insights from ancient Greek philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Epicurus. Understand how happiness is defined, its ultimate goal in life, and the concept of utilitarianism, which promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number. This quiz delves deep into the elements that constitute a fulfilling life.
