BQ Summary of Concepts (Lectures Before Recess Week) PDF

consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 MAIN POINT EXAMPLE IMPORTANT PEOPLE Week 1 The Pursuit of Happiness - US Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson) PURSUE, NOT ATTAI...

consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 MAIN POINT EXAMPLE IMPORTANT PEOPLE Week 1 The Pursuit of Happiness - US Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson) PURSUE, NOT ATTAIN HAPPINESS Benjamin Franklin: You have to catch it (happiness) yourself. "pursuit" had a more aggressive connotation than it does today: actively chasing or following something (or someone) in a hostile or confrontational manner seeking happiness was viewed as a challenging, perhaps even combative endeavor (not gentle or straight-forward; met with conflict and difficulty) Pursuit of happiness might not always lead to positive outcomes. If happiness is something you have to chase down aggressively, it can create tension, struggle, and conflict in the process. This contrasts with more modern interpretations of the pursuit of happiness as a personal journey or a positive, fulfilling experience. Pursuing happiness is a basic, God-given, and self-evident human entitlement. We deserve to be happy, and increasingly, people believe that we should be so. In truth, it’s only recently that we begin to assume that happiness is the natural human state. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 1  Tocqueville noticed that Americans tend to be very impatient and restless. They quickly move from one task or goal to another, always looking for the next opportunity or shortcut to achieve happiness. Building Houses but Selling Them: He gives an example of Americans who might start building houses for their future but sell them before they are even finished. This shows their tendency to change their minds and pursue new opportunities rather than committing to one thing. Fear of Missing Out: Americans constantly change their plans and paths because they are afraid of missing the quickest way to happiness. They are always searching for a faster or easier route to achieve a perfect and complete happiness. Futile Pursuit: Tocqueville suggests that this constant search for happiness can be futile. People are so focused on finding the "perfect" happiness that they never seem to reach it. They keep chasing after it until they die, without realizing that it always seems just out of reach. Ancient Greek Philosophy of Happiness The relentless pursuit of happiness always threatened to subvert itself. Croesus, the fabulously wealthy king of Lydia, thought that he must be the happiness man alive, bec he lacked nothing. The sage Solon cautioned him otherwise, bec “there is much to see that one would rather not see and much to suffer likewise.” In the end, Croesus’s son died in a freak hunting accident, and Lydia was destroyed by invading Persians. Good daimon might lead to misfortune, This is especially so in a unpredictable life: making it less about something we can fully control or shape ourselves, and more about what we must endure or navigate through so we have to adapt to the various uncontrollable situations ahead of us. Herodotus (historian) recalls the story with olbios, eutychia, makarios and eudaemon (fortune and blessedness, divine favor and prosperity) eu = good + daimon = god/spirit/demon consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 2  implies good fortune from having a divine guiding spirit by one’s side daimon is a hidden spiritual force driving humans forward without any specific agent Aristotle’s paradox of happiness: more happiness brings more suffering a person will feel at the thought of losing everything upon death Early Christians “Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness’s sake” (New King James Translation, Matthew 5:10–11) If someone can feel grateful or fortunate even when treated badly, it suggests that people who seem happy in the usual way might actually be close to experiencing deep sadness. It implies that conventional happiness might be fragile or superficial, while true resilience comes from finding peace even in difficult situations. Link to Croesus: prosperity might be a tell-tale sign that God may have other plans in the future. “call no man until he is dead”: Christian happiness = death a release from the suffering that humanity endures due to original sin (the inherited sinful nature from Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Bible) For the blessed—those who are spiritually saved or have lived righteous lives—death isn't something to fear, but rather an entry into paradise, where they are freed from the burdens of sin and suffering St Augustine and his brethren: Pursuing happiness is a punishment — reminder of banishment from the garden of Eden consequently not able to live contentedly with God’s grace When longing for happiness, we think how unworthy and unable we are to attain our own happiness —> brews a vicious cycle of guilt consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 3  Enlightenment People in the West thought of happiness as something more than a divine gift or reward People thought suffering wasn’t an unfailing law of the universe and expect pleasure as a right Reason for this change in thought: more access to luxuries greater church sanction to earthly enjoyment birth of consumer cultures During the Enlightenment, people began to place greater value on finding happiness in their present lives, rather than just looking forward to happiness in the afterlife. Voltaire's quote, "Paradise is where I am," captures this idea that happiness can be experienced here and now, rather than being something that is only achievable after death. This reflects a more human-centered, secular approach to life. Enlightenment thinkers believed that pursuing happiness and fulfillment in this life was not against God's will, but rather a natural part of being human. They emphasized that our purpose on earth was to live in harmony with nature and to seek joy and contentment within the world we inhabit. This idea reflects a shift from religious determinism to a belief in human autonomy and rationality. Enlightenment's focus on reason and individual rights also encouraged people to challenge traditional moral and religious restrictions on personal pleasure, material wealth, and self-interest. Thinkers of this era argued that it was not sinful to seek sexual pleasure, financial success, or personal fulfillment, as these pursuits were part of natural human desires. This view sought to break down the old religious barriers that associated such pleasures with sin or guilt, promoting the idea that they were legitimate aspects of a fulfilling life. Even today, these principles are at the heart of our humanitarian assumptions: that suffering is wrong; that the enjoyment of life is, or ought to be, a basic human entitlement. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 4  There was just one problem: if we ought to be happy, something must be wrong when we’re not. Christianity provoked guilt but it explained why pple suffered. Enlightenment created guilt when we feel sad and pain. Enlightenment thinkers believed that human beings were rational creatures capable of shaping their own lives and achieving happiness. If happiness was considered a natural state, then sadness or dissatisfaction was seen as a personal failure to live up to that potential. In this view, neither God nor unpredictable forces like fate or fortune were to blame for an individual's unhappiness. Instead, the responsibility for achieving happiness lay within the individual, who was expected to use reason and personal effort to overcome obstacles and live a fulfilling life. This reflects the Enlightenment's emphasis on individual autonomy and self- determination. Rousseau saw a problem in society where people's desires (what they want) are often much greater than their ability to satisfy those desires. He believed that to fix this, society needed a big change so that people could access the resources (things like wealth, opportunities, etc.) they lack to meet their needs and desires. Rousseau argued that while a government might be able to make people follow rules and laws that ensure their freedom (like giving them rights), no government can force someone to be happy. Happiness is a personal choice. The best government, in Rousseau's view, is one that creates the right conditions for people to be happy—meaning it provides freedom and opportunities—but it's up to individuals to use those opportunities wisely and reasonably to achieve happiness. John Stuart Mill: 19th Century UK Yet, after suffering a debilitating breakdown and an extended bout of depression, he hit upon a strange insight: lasting personal happiness comes not from direct pursuit, but from helping others. Alternative Supporting Perspective by Hungarian-American Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: those engaged in purposeful, challenging activity, pursued for its own sake, are apt to live more satisfying lives than those who don’t. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 5  It doesn't provide immediate pleasure or quick rewards. Instead of feeling happy right away, this approach takes longer and requires effort. It may not give you the quick "feel-good" moments that come from instant gratification (like eating your favorite snack or shopping). However, the happiness gained from engaging in these activities is often deeper and more satisfying over time, even if it’s not as immediately enjoyable. When people have unrealistic hopes for happiness, we could learn from someone who was tempted by the idea of finding perfect happiness in this life but ultimately decided it wasn’t a realistic goal. Relatable example: like how we might admire a seasoned traveler who learns that the journey is more important than reaching a destination. Antifragility: Nassim Nicholas Talleb Resilience 2.0: You put pressure on a system. It grows bigger, stronger – like going to the gym to work out and build muscles. Psychologically, we undergo PTG, post traumatic growth. Post- traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, is about breaking down, but post traumatic growth is about growing stronger due to pressure of stress Pursuing happiness directly can cause more harm than good. But if we break happiness down into its elements, we can enjoy the indirect pursuit of happiness, which in turn can raise our overall levels of happiness. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 6  Happiness doesn't have a fixed point where one is unhappy before and happy after; rather, it resides on a continuum. It is a lifelong journey. Understanding this allows us to have realistic, rather than unrealistic, expectations about what is possible. Week 2 Tragic Optimism - Victor Frankl’s (Man’s Search for Meaning) Logotherapy: search for meaning in life provides a primary motivational force. Victor Frankl (founder of logotherapy) asks how it’s possible to say yes to life despite the tragic triad of pain, guilt and death Saying yes in spite of everything presupposes that life is potentially meaningful even under the most miserable of circumstances. presupposes the human capacity to creatively turn life’s -negative aspects into construc­tive (to make the best of any given situation) optimism in the face of tragedy and in view of the human potential to make bad things become good. optimism isn’t commanded or ordered one cannot be forced to showed indiscriminately against all odds/hope. One must have a reason to be happy, which allows happiness to automatically ensue and give a person the ability to cope with suffering. To have enough to live by but without purpose results in mental health issues 90% of the alcoholics studied by psychologist Annemarie von Forstmeyer had suffered from an abysmal feeling of meaninglessness. The meaning in situations may not be obvious but logotherapists help to discover the inherent meaning of the situation. Finding meaning through: consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 7  Biographical approach: compare those who have figured out what life is about to those who seem to have not found that meaning learn and apply how they found purpose to your own life Arriving at meaning of life in logotherapy: Create work or do a deed Experience something or encounter someone (love) Turn predicaments into achievements through tragic optimism If suffering can be avoided, remove its cause as suffering unnecessarily is masochistic, not heroic. Choose our attitude if suffering cannot be avoided. Life’s meaning is unconditional according to Frankl’s beliefs. This parallels the unconditional value of an individual The value and dignity of an individual stays with him/her as they are based on values he/she realized in the past; not the usefulness of that value he/she attains now. Usefulness in the present is determined by one’s value in society (successfulness, happiness, and most importantly, one’s age) If usefulness = worth, it is a dangerous mindset since it could lead to devaluation or mistreatment of people who are no longer considered "useful”. Hitler’s “mercy killings”: extreme example of what can happen when human dignity is confused with usefulness Ikigai iki = alive gai = worth —> what gives you meaning/purpose in life This originated in the Heian period. It is said to be famous as a culture in the Okinawa Islands of Japan. Key Features of Ikigai: consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 8  1. Purpose in Life: Ikigai represents the idea of having a reason to live or a purpose that gives your life meaning. 2. Four Elements: It combines four aspects—what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. These come together to form your “reason for being.” 3. Balance: Ikigai is about finding a balance between personal passion and fulfilling a societal role, contributing to the well-being of others. 4. Everyday Life: It’s not necessarily about grand achievements, but also about simple pleasures and the joy of daily life. Strengths of Ikigai: 1. Holistic Approach: It brings together personal fulfillment and external contribution, helping individuals align their passion, skills, and societal needs. 2. Focus on Well-being: By encouraging people to pursue what gives them meaning, it can improve mental and emotional well-being. 3. Adaptability: Ikigai can be applied across various aspects of life— career, hobbies, relationships—making it versatile. 4. Simplicity: The concept is easy to understand and can be applied by anyone, regardless of their cultural background. Weaknesses of Ikigai: 1. Idealistic Nature: Achieving a balance among all four elements can be challenging, and not everyone may find something that fits perfectly. 2. Cultural Misunderstanding: While the concept is rooted in Japanese culture, it might be oversimplified or misunderstood when applied outside of its original context. 3. Focus on Personal Fulfillment: The pursuit of Ikigai could potentially lead to individualistic tendencies, focusing more on self-fulfillment rather than community needs. 4. Pressure to Find Ikigai: The idea that everyone must find their Ikigai could create pressure or anxiety, especially for those unsure of their purpose. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 9  Relevance in Today's Context: 1. Mental Health and Well-being: In an age of increasing stress and burnout, the concept of Ikigai can offer a framework for people to find joy and purpose, leading to better emotional well-being. 2. Career Fulfillment: Many people today are seeking meaningful work that aligns with their passions and values. Ikigai helps bridge the gap between personal fulfillment and professional success. 3. Purpose-driven Societies: As the world faces environmental and social challenges, Ikigai’s focus on contributing to society is highly relevant in encouraging people to use their skills for the greater good. 4. Work-life Balance: With growing emphasis on balancing personal and professional life, Ikigai provides a model for integrating purpose into both areas. Relevance in Past Context: 1. Traditional Japanese Culture: Historically, Ikigai has been deeply embedded in Japanese culture, especially in places like Okinawa, known for the longevity and happiness of its residents. For them, Ikigai often stems from contributing to their communities and staying active well into old age. 2. Post-War Recovery in Japan: After World War II, Japan’s recovery involved a collective sense of purpose and rebuilding, which aligns with Ikigai. Many people found meaning in working hard for their families and country during this period. 3. Cultural Practices: Ikigai historically emphasized simplicity, community involvement, and the joy of small daily activities, reflecting values central to traditional Japanese society. Marie Kondo: Decluttering the Pandemic CONTEXT General Trend: Before the onset of COVID, minimalism was reappearing as a cultural moment (seen from blogs on simplicity, digital nomad lifestyle etc) 2018 Survey: 1/4 of US adults were or hope to be minimalists consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 10  Minimalism is ripe for commodification, from what was observed in many of the minimalist trends popping up, through sales of items. (ironic) Philosophies and fashions of minimalist gurus buttress consumer practices of waste and abjection. There was a renewed relationship to consumer’s objects postulating the value of items according to their interests “for us”. Sounds convincing in an eco-conscious way to decrease consumption Underlying consumption was intensified towards boutique items to fit the minimalist lifestyle. During the pandemic, people kept shopping but shifted their focus to experiences rather than just material goods. Even though these purchases didn’t always align with minimalism (which means owning less), the idea behind it was similar: focusing less on physical items and more on personal growth and self-improvement. The pandemic encouraged people to rethink what’s truly important, leading to more emphasis on self-development and meaningful experiences over materialism. CONSUMPTION AS A SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY 1. Social Activity Identity and Status: What people consume often signals their social identity, status, and group affiliation. For example, wearing certain brands or driving luxury cars can reflect wealth or social standing. Example: Owning an iPhone is often seen as a status symbol in many parts of the world, signifying wealth or being tech-savvy. Similarly, luxury watches like Rolex or designer handbags from brands like Louis Vuitton are purchased not just for function but to signal social prestige. Social Norms and Values: Consumption patterns are shaped by societal expectations. For instance, in many cultures, gift-giving during holidays or celebrations is expected, reinforcing social bonds and norms. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 11  Example: In many cultures, dining out at trendy restaurants is not just about eating food but is a social activity that reflects lifestyle choices. For instance, in Singapore, going to a Michelin-starred restaurant might show a taste for high-end experiences, while frequenting hawker centers reflects more traditional, community- oriented values. 2. Cultural Activity Cultural Expression: Consumption reflects cultural values and traditions. For example, the foods people eat, the clothes they wear, or the way they celebrate festivals are often tied to cultural heritage. Example: Traditional attire worn during festivals, such as the cheongsam during Chinese New Year or the sari in India during Diwali, reflects deep cultural roots. Consumption here is about more than clothing—it's about preserving and celebrating cultural identity. Trends and Fashions: Cultural trends, like the rise of minimalism or sustainability, shape what and how people consume. Media and influencers play a key role in promoting certain lifestyles or values, which influence consumption choices. Example: The rise of sustainable fashion as a cultural trend has led to people buying clothes made from eco-friendly materials or supporting brands that emphasize ethical production. This reflects a cultural shift toward environmental awareness and changing attitudes about fast fashion. 3. Political Activity Consumer Activism: People can use consumption to make political statements. For instance, buying fair-trade products or boycotting certain brands based on their environmental or labor practices reflects political beliefs and values. Example: In 2020, there was a significant boycott of Amazon on Prime Day by consumers concerned with the company's labor practices, environmental impact, and the treatment of warehouse consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 12  workers. People refrained from purchasing to protest these issues, using consumption (or lack thereof) as a form of political expression. Government Influence: Policies and regulations impact consumption. Governments can encourage or restrict certain consumption behaviors through taxes (like on cigarettes or sugary drinks), subsidies (like for electric cars), or trade policies that affect product availability. Example: Many governments impose sin taxes on harmful products like cigarettes and sugary beverages to discourage consumption. In places like Singapore, the high taxes on alcohol and tobacco influence consumer behavior, pushing people to consume less or seek alternatives. Example: South Korea has implemented a pay-as-you-throw waste management system, where households and businesses are charged based on the amount of waste they generate. This policy has reduced waste and increased recycling rates, encouraging consumers to think more carefully about their consumption habits and how they dispose of goods. Economic and Political Power: Large corporations, through advertising and lobbying, can influence consumer choices and government policies, making consumption a reflection of broader political and economic power structures. Example: Large corporations like Coca-Cola or Nestlé lobby governments to shape trade policies in their favor. They can influence product availability and pricing, making certain types of consumption (e.g., sugary drinks) more widespread, despite potential public health concerns. MARIE KONDO (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-108_3NCbE) Before COVID-19, many Americans believed that buying things was a means of displaying patriotism, which led some people to take on large amounts of debt. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 13  When the pandemic hit and the economy suffered, it became clear that this way of thinking wasn’t sustainable. The popularity of Marie Kondo's method reflects a change in how we view the things we buy. In the past, objects had deep meaning, but in today's world, they are often just seen as money. Kondo's approach brings meaning back to possessions by encouraging people to keep only items that “spark joy,” which became especially important during COVID, when home life became chaotic. Decluttering became necessary for people stuck at home during lockdowns. Kondo’s method adds a sense of magic or importance to the things we own because we live in a world full of cheap, easily replaceable items. From 2014 onwards, the US saw an increase in donations to thrift shops but 85% of these donations couldn’t be resold and ended up in landfills. Even though minimalism became popular during the pandemic, there was still a huge increase in waste, especially with personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and plastic containers. This reflects how capitalism encourages us to see nature and objects as cheap and disposable. Objects lose value in two ways: they are reduced to their price, and we feel like we can do whatever we want with them, which makes us care less about their meaning. Eventually, they become garbage. Kondo’s method of self-help gives objects meaning again by encouraging people to respect and care for their belongings. People thank the items that no longer bring them joy before throwing them away. However, thanking objects doesn’t change the fact that they still end up in the trash. The ritual of gratitude is more about making us feel good and creating a sense of order. Even though Kondo's clients feel happy and organized after decluttering, this doesn’t address the larger environmental problems we face from so much waste and pollution. Kondo’s minimalism doesn’t change the fact that these discarded objects are destined for landfills. It’s similar to consumer culture, where consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 14  people get rid of unwanted things without considering the environmental impact. We can’t just do whatever we want with the things we own. The items we throw away eventually come back to harm the environment in the form of pollution and environmental damage. Kondo’s method focuses only on organizing our homes, not on caring for the environment or thinking about how our actions affect the world around us. In conclusion, organizing our belongings is a sign of consumerism, where we ignore the environmental issues we contribute to. According to Kondo, the fate of discarded objects is not a major concern. We need to realise that decluttering gives one a temporary sense of happiness but distracts them from the more urgent need to deal with environmental damage. This leads us to avoid/deny the real impact of our consumption. Therefore, we have to shift from our complacent state/action towards environmental issues. The income-happiness equation for Singaporeans (Tambyah, 2023) THESIS STATEMENT The relationship between income and happiness for Singaporeans demonstrates a positive but nonlinear correlation, where higher income improves life satisfaction, but the effect on daily happiness diminishes once basic needs are met. FINDINGS Affective Well-Being: emotional or mood-related aspects of happiness, which include both positive and negative affects such as joy, sadness, or stress. While increased income reduces stress and provides security, its effect on daily happiness is minimal beyond meeting basic needs. The slides illustrate this through examples like "Tom," who experiences increased life satisfaction after a promotion but limited gains in happiness once financial stability is reached. Increased income can reduce negative emotions like daily sadness and stress, particularly for those struggling to meet basic needs. For example, Tom feels more secure after a consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 15  promotion because he no longer fears homelessness or struggles to feed his family. Hedonic Adaptation: Individuals quickly adapt to new income levels, meaning that after initial satisfaction, higher earnings do not significantly enhance daily happiness. This is evident in examples like "Jerry," a CEO who is already wealthy and sees little improvement in happiness from additional income. Socioemotional factors: strained marriage Cognitive Well-Being: more evaluative or judgment-based and refers to how individuals assess their overall satisfaction with life Higher income leads to significant improvements in life satisfaction, with respondents from the second-highest income bracket ($13,000–$14,999) reporting the highest levels of satisfaction. Satisfaction with life and control over important aspects increase as income rises. People with higher incomes feel more satisfied with their lives, as they perceive their overall situation as better or more secure. Cognitive well-being also includes factors like a sense of purpose and life satisfaction. It influences long term goals and life decisions. WHY ARE PEOPLE IN RICHER NATIONS NOT NECESSARILY HAPPIER? Relative vs. Absolute Income: The research highlights that relative income (how one's earnings compare to others) plays a more significant role in happiness than absolute income once basic needs are met. People are happier when their income is higher relative to their peers, underscoring the social comparison effect. Income Comparisons: The Easterlin Paradox explains why wealthier nations or individuals are not necessarily happier, showing that happiness plateaus once certain income thresholds are surpassed. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: People in richer situations must focus on higher-level, often more complex, psychological and emotional needs that income alone cannot satisfy. This is why wealthier individuals or nations often don’t experience greater happiness despite having more financial resources. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 16  For individuals with below-median incomes, much of their earnings go toward satisfying these basic needs. As income rises in this context, there’s a significant boost in quality of life and happiness, because basic survival concerns are alleviated. However, once these basic needs are met (e.g., having enough food, housing, and security), additional income is typically spent on higher- level needs, such as social status, luxuries, and emotional fulfillment. These needs correspond to Maslow’s higher levels of love, esteem, and self-actualization. Related to hedonic adaptation: people adjust to their improved circumstance and go back to baseline happiness levels Singaporeans’ level of happiness, enjoyment, achievement, control and purpose increased linearly with household income. Singaporeans’ Satisfaction levels increased linearly with household income. Singaporeans’ well-being increased linearly with household income. Financial Security: less fin stress & emo pain Improved access to opportunities Social status and self-esteem: perception through valued items consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 17  Ability to afford luxurious experiences: vacations Despite not being poorer from 2016 to 2022, financial stability of Singaporeans was better (can repay monthly loans, do what they want, make major purchases like housing). Economic well-being didn’t differ by gender. Economic well-being differed by marital status (married people are better off), age (older ones are better off), education status (better edu bagus), household income (higher the better). Week 3 Islam (slides 2-16) Since Abrahamic religions believe that God is omnipotent, omnibenevolent, and omniscient, how is it possible to explain the presence of evil and suffering? Suffering exists despite God’s existence gives rice to theodicy (theological way to resolve evil; more so, reasons why a good God allows evil) In some Western philosophies, evil and suffering is irreconcilable/incompatible with omnipresent and benevolent God (no concrete answer to the problem of evil) Epicurus: “Is he [God] willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then is he impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?” (Hume 1980: 63 J.L. Mackie: problem of evil is problematic for those who believe there’s an omnipresent and fully good God problem of evil is logical in his opinion, not scientific or practical Platinga: there’s no logical inconsistency in believing there is an omnipotent, omnibenevolent, and omniscient God, coexisting consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 18  with evil (Evil is fundamentally existential). Plantinga questions if we have free will if God knows our future actions. It challenges free will and God's knowledge. (Plantinga 1974: 69) Aslan (author of reading): W philo not always practical because it often focuses on abstract, rational arguments that can feel disconnected from the real-world suffering and experiences of people. Rationality benefits normal beings in a limited fashion (abstract arguments that ignores real-life suffering) while religion plays an important role in helping people who struggle to defeat evil. This is because the perception of evil is culture-specific. eg: Dalai Lama asking a young boy to ‘suck his tongue’: Tibetan sign of blessing - “Then [the grandfather] says that I’ve given you everything so the only thing left is for you to eat my tongue,” Ugen said. “The child probably never gets the candy or money but gets a beautiful lesson about life, love and family.” Some acts, like mass murder, are universally condemned, such as the 9/11 attacks. Cultures teach their people unique ways to handle evil. Experiencing evil makes it real to the person. The context and individual interpretation of experiences matter, influenced by culture and personal views. Events should be judged by those who experience them, determining if they’re good or evil. Muslims’ views on evil are shaped by the Qur'an and sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. Like the Bible, the Qur'an includes the story of Adam and Eve's disobedience in Eden. Quran Bible Adam and his wife ate the forbidden Adam and Eve were forbidden to fruit eat from the tree of the consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 19  together, so the wife didn’t lead Adam knowledge of good and evil but astray. Eve gave into the temptation and ate the fruit. Since Adam’s wife didn’t sin first, the Qur’an doesn’t emphasize the original sin, so there is no need for atonement. Emphasis of God’s forgiveness and mercy: The earth isn't cursed because of Adam and Eve. Instead, it’s their home, as they sought forgiveness from God, which was granted. Humans remain connected to God. First sinful act of disobedience = first act of free will Actions from freewill characterised as good or evil since they are conditioned upon freedom. Things acting upon instinct only or made to do things don’t have good/evil associated with it. Islam: suffering, hardship and pain aren’t challenges to omnipotent and omnibenevolent God, however; they are tests and learning opportunities. Natural evil and suffering is necessary to test resolve Good Muslims interpret each situation as a deed by benevolent God - need to be patient, accept their limited knowledge and trust God is bringing them in the right direction despite its opposite nature at times You will be compensated if you trust this belief in this life or heaven Don’t believe blindly: make sure to solve the problems on your own first before trusting in God Evil is the work of Shaytan Iblis (jinn casted out of heaven for refusing to bow to Adam) consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 20  Religion is distinct from philosophy if practiced and effectively influences human behaviour. Moral evil is to be reduced to the best of an individual’s abilities, based on how they exercise their freewill. Confucianism (slides 17-33) Key Theories Linked To Confucianism Hedonism Happiness is dependent on one’s pleasure. The more pleasure, the more happy. Pleasures extends beyond food and sex; engagement with the 5 senses is another way to gain pleasure. Mill: higher pleasure engages the intellect while lower pleasure satisfies physical needs. Desire Satisfaction Theory Well-being is associated with whatever satisfies a person’s desire. Be it good or bad. Limitation: undermines ill-informed and evil desires Not plausible to say a satisfied torturer lived a good life or attained a high level of well-being Someone’s life goes well to the extent that her well-informed desires get satisfied. Objective List Theory OLT treats the good life as something constituted by a variety of goods such as knowledge, pleasure, achievement, and virtue, even if a person actively doesn’t desire them. Limitation/Challenge: you cannot determine how these various goods relate to one another and how they collectively contribute to happiness. In comparison, Conf places heavy emphasis on the ethical dimension of the good life. Comparison Between The 3 Theories consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 21  Desire Satisfaction Objective List Hedonism Theory Theory Relevance Today Relevance Today Hedonism is relatable in OLT’s emphasis on modern society, a variety of goods where people Relevance Today (like education, often seek health, and pleasure through DST aligns well meaningful comfort, with today’s relationships) entertainment, individualistic aligns well with and material societies, where modern holistic goods. Many self- personal goals and approaches to care and wellness desires are well-being. It movements today emphasized. It fits provides a well- promote with modern rounded picture of happiness through aspirations such as what makes life maximizing career success, fulfilling beyond pleasure and personal growth, personal desires. minimizing stress. and achieving life goals. Strengths Moral and Ethical Historical Focus Influence Flexibility By emphasizing Hedonism dates DST allows for a virtues like back to ancient variety of desires, knowledge and Greece, where meaning people moral integrity, philosophers like with different life OLT supports a Epicurus goals can all balanced promoted a form experience approach to of hedonism that happiness if they happiness. In emphasized achieve what they modern debates intellectual and desire. This makes on happiness, it moderate it adaptable to resonates with pleasures over different cultures discussions on the purely physical and eras. importance of ones. It helped mental health, shape modern community, and understandings of ethical living. happiness and well-being. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 22  Modern Criticism Cultural Relativity Ill-informed or Today, hedonism Harmful Desires What is can be seen as Not all desires are considered overly simplistic, good for a person’s "objectively" good focusing too much well-being. For can vary across on instant example, someone cultures and gratification. may desire wealth societies. For Excessive or power to an example, one indulgence in unhealthy extent, culture may pleasure, such as which could lead to prioritize family consumerism or unethical behavior and social addiction, can or personal harmony, while lead to long-term unhappiness. another negative emphasizes consequences like personal freedom debt or poor Historical or career success. mental health. Perspective In ancient Historical Weaknesses philosophy, DST Challenge Historical was seen as too Limitation subjective. Historically, OLT Philosophers like faced criticism for In the past, Aristotle believed being too rigid. philosophers like not all desires Philosophers like Aristotle criticized should be pursued; John Stuart Mill hedonism for some desires, like argued that ignoring deeper greed, could harm happiness is too human needs oneself or society. subjective to be such as moral Even in modern tied to a fixed list virtue and contexts, fulfilling of goods. In personal selfish or harmful today’s development. desires can have multicultural Ancient thinkers negative social societies, OLT’s believed that consequences, focus on universal simply pursuing such as inequality goods may not pleasure does not or environmental reflect everyone’s lead to a fulfilling degradation. values or paths to life, which still happiness. resonates today. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 23  Key Characters Yan Hui Sensory hedonism: little bodily pleasure but a lot of pain (lack of food) but happy so he derives happiness from factors other than sensory pleasure. Confucius found Yan Hui admirable since he exudes joy despite abject poverty Yan Hui was seeking to achieve humaneness (ren) with great determination and perseverance. To satisfy ren, one has to control their natural desires and inclinations following ritual. Upon doing so, one will be contented and achieve ethical pleasure Confucius Most important happiness comes from steadfast adherence to moral means to reach prudential goals (wealth, rank). Pleasure should be ethical as long it is kept with ritual. Early Confucians aren’t absolutely against bodily pleasures (practicabstaines severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence in physical pleasures), as long as it aligns with ritual. The virtuous could not find pleasure in fine food, clothes, and music during the mourning period. If one follows ritual, they are morally innocent. Moral innocence is found through daily reflection of their conduct. Therefore, it gives rise to ethical pleasure. Ethical pleasure related to ethical desire If pleasure includes both ethical pleasures and higher pleasures (Mill), then a revised version of hedonism can better explain Yan's joy since it recognises joy can come from various sources, not just basic pleasures. Desire Satisfaction Theory (DST) defines happiness as getting what you want, which can include ethical desires that Confucians talk consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 24  about. Ethical desires focus on others, while prudential desires are self- centered. Virtuous people desire wealth and rank (prudential ends) via ethical means. Confucius and his students wanted rank and the main way they wanted to achieve it is through a ritualised body and mind. If not achieved ethically, their desire for prudence will diminish the well-being as it leads to guilt, shame, worry and fear. The virtuous cannot be distinguished from the rest because of their ethical desires and the others’ lack thereof. Most have ethical desires but their ethical desires > prudential Comparison of ethical and prudential desires Focus on Others: Moral considerations often prioritize the well- being of others and ethical principles, while prudential desires are self-centered and focused on personal gain. Ethical Frameworks: Moral considerations are guided by ethical frameworks that may require sacrifices or actions that do not directly benefit oneself, whereas prudential desires seek immediate benefits for the individual. Conflict Potential: Pursuing prudential desires can sometimes conflict with moral obligations, as what benefits one person might harm another. Therefore, moral considerations can lead to choices that are not aligned with personal desires. Teleological ethical desires: final goal of peace and stability of people Instrumental ethical desire: find right means to achieve teleological ethical desire consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 25  Confucius tried to find an enlightened ruler who agreed with his ideas and appointed him to a high-ranking position, if he was qualified. However, his search was to no avail. DST: Confucius is not happy Confucius was happy since he maintain moral integrity. reconstructed Confucian conception merely contrasts with DST DST is too simplistic: cannot meet challenges posed by Confucian perspective on happiness and the good life Hinduism (G2 presentation slides) Existence of Evil and Suffering in Hinduism Suffering is viewed as "a great teacher and guide" in Hinduism. It leads to spiritual growth and development by teaching important life lessons. Evil represents the effort and possibility of discovering the Truth. It plays a role in maintaining the balance of positive and negative forces, ensuring harmony and peace. Evil and suffering are considered inevitable aspects of human existence. They are connected to the law of karma (cause and effect of one's actions), where selfish actions that go against dharma (moral code) create negative outcomes. Overcoming suffering and evil leads to the realization of true reality, transcending the ego and ignorance. Ultimately, this helps in breaking free from the cycle of rebirth and achieving unity with Brahman (the ultimate reality). The Lord of Creation (Ishwara) intervenes to restore balance when evil disrupts harmony. Basic Concepts of Hinduism Brahman: The ultimate reality, formless, infinite, and all-encompassing. It is the unifying force behind the cosmos. Atman: The soul or the true self, which is eternal and transcends the physical body. Upon death, the soul is reborn in a new body. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 26  Samsāra: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The goal is to purify the mind and attain perfection, eventually merging with Brahman. Karma: The law of cause and effect, where actions (good or bad) bear fruit in this life or future lives. It plays a crucial role in shaping one's destiny. Dharma: The moral law and duty that governs individual behavior. Adhering to dharma is essential for spiritual growth and good karma. Māyā: The illusion that prevents individuals from perceiving the true reality of Brahman, leading to ignorance and ego-driven actions. Suffering and Spiritual Growth: By enduring and overcoming suffering, one progresses through stages of spiritual growth, leading to peace, joy, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Week 5 Paradoxes of Student Well-Being After decades of narrow focus towards acads, there is a paradigm shift towards student well-being. Student well-being state of successful performance of physical, cognitive, and socio–emotional functions, which results in productive activities + a sense of achievement feeling good by experiencing the 5 elements of positive emotion, engagement, meaning, good relationship, and accomplishment. Despite its great academic standards, students are stressed about exams, partly due to the competitive culture and kiasuism. Yet, students are also stressed abt exams. 86% of them were worried about poor grades at school, compared with the OECD avg of 66%. 76% were anxious about a test even if they were well- prepared, compared with the 55% OECD avg. Still, SG is in a paradox where it was ranked 1st in 2018 and 2019 as the best place for kids to live in. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 27  This paradox happens as an old educational paradigm co-exists with an espoused new one. Only 0.1% of children don’t attend primary or sec school, the lowest rate in the world. Pastoral care and physical education for students have always been a part of the pedagogy, but initiatives directly addressing the students’ well-being only appeared recently. 1997 “Thinking Schools, Learning Nation” Vision: developing young people holistically so that they are creative and willing to serve their community; a national culture where lifelong learning and innovation flourished at every level of society. coexistence of exam culture brought friction Holistic Health Framework: schools employ para-educators to provide support to teachers Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Framework introduced in 2005 and made compulsory in schools nationally: develop school environments that support students and nurture positive teacher-student relationships Cyber-wellness: be responsible and mature digital learners 21st Century Competencies Framework (launched in 2014): guide students’ life development - manage themselves and relate with others, and to pick up such essential skills as civic literacy, global awareness, and critical and inventive thinking Outdoor Education Initiative (2016): All S3 students to go for 5-day expedition camp on an off-shore island to develop resilience, tenacity and teamwork In-house student care centres for meals, homework supervision, and after-school recreational activities for children ages 7–14 yrs Stop to publicising of school rankings and names of top scorers Switch of T-score to AL system for PSLE grades to reduce pressure on relative scoring systems such as bell-curves P1 and P2 students have no weighted assessments and overall grades (descriptors now) from 2019 onwards consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 28  MOE encourages each school to have an ALP: feel and discern that what they learn is useful and meaningful in their lives through applying their knowledge and skills in real-world situations Implementation isn’t easy since official rhetoric is tension-worthy — MOE wants less emphasis on results but also insists that holistic education shouldn’t compromise academic quality. Parents also worry their kids will lose out so they look for private tuition to fill the void, even after reducing the number of exams per year. The notion of academic achievements being a necessary ingredient to lifelong success is long-held but unhealthy. Deep-seated cultural issues on “success”, what is the best life and how to meet expectations Student well-being may be better addressed by by creating appropriate learning challenges and providing the necessary support for them to overcome difficulties. Young people will enter work environments with stiff competition and high demands. Stress and burnout are common problems in many EA econ. Young people therefore need to develop resilience, a capacity to manage and bounce back from critical challenging life events. There’s a positive correlation between resilience and well-being. Many successful people with outstanding achievement have grit, which is a special blend of passion and persistence. Well-being is a continuous process so you cannot focus on how a person feels at a point in time and not on resilience. You need to balance the challenges meted out to students so that they will build resilience to cope with life’s challenges in adulthood. Singapore is attempting to balance between hardwork/discipline and holistic education to build a more resilient community. Eventually, this allows students to enjoy well-being for a longer time and quality. consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 29  5C’s in Singapore (Past): cash, car, credit card, condominium and country club 5C’s in Singapore (Now): “But from our engagements, it is also clear the Singapore Dream is more than just material success. It is also about fulfilment, meaning and purpose in what we do” (press conference to launch the Forward Singapore Festival at Gardens by the Bay on Oct 27, 2023, DPM Lawrence Wong) Rebuttal from Confucian perspective: “If learning is supposed to be a joy, then why is there a need to focus so much on student well-being?” Week 7 Peiwan in China When capitalism reaches its peak, social relationships start to revolve around production, making society function mainly like a factory. This means that everyday life is heavily influenced by production, with factories having a strong control over society. Peiwans’ careers are morally and socially inferior since gig economies are stigmatised in China Though Peiwans long for stable jobs, they sell their companionship for a high pay in the time being. PEIWANS Peiwans: chat with gamers in fights, consoling/praising the gamers and help in levelling in gameplay if the laoban is weak in gameplay Estimated to be worth 278.7 billion yuan (43.2 billion USD) in 2020, it brings about such game-related platforms as Bixin. In 2020, Bixin had > 40 million registered users. It live-streams actual bouts as Twitch does in the US, but also enables gamers to hire online peiwans (“play companions”). Nature of Peiwans Average age of Peiwans: 223; can be M/F (3M:1F) consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 30  no gender biases typically as long as they are good (looks, voice, gaming ability) and sound professional (no badmouthing, avoid arguments) Peiwans are told by Bixin what to do to be popular, which goes against the unknown nature of (propreity-owned) algorithms (criteria and penalty are publicly available). known criteria makes it easy for peiwans to capitalise their time and effort. For every amount a Peiwan earns, Bixin deducts 20% from that total before the Peiwan receives their share. Peiwans form tuanduis/teams to protect themselves against losing their jobs. They work 557 (5pm to 5am, 7 days a week) and this affects their relationships with people who have regular work. This breeds cruel optimism. CRUEL OPTIMISM Global neoliberal policies, like reducing government support for public welfare, increase feelings of insecurity among economically vulnerable people. worsened by ongoing global economic changes that force workers in one country to compete with workers around the world for low-paying jobs. Cruel optimism: hope people invest in achieving a good and stable life through material possessions or ideals These objects are believed to bring happiness, but happiness isn’t actually found in them Pursuit of these ideals often makes it harder for individuals to achieve real change in their lives. In the process of getting that quantified goal, you will end hurting yourself more with more inherent consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 31  difficulties ALONG THE WAY, especially in the gig economy. The cruelty of this optimism comes from the fact that people put in a lot of effort to reach these unrealistic goals of upward social mobility. However, this focus on individual success distracts from the larger social inequalities that keep them in disadvantaged positions and limit their opportunities. Since it is possible to move up the social mobility ladder, people give up on poorly paid stable jobs to chase fleeting hopes for a better future under neoliberalism. They want a less-bad life than a good one. Peiwans are a clear example of how play-based work keeps them stuck in the social rankings created by neoliberalism. Able to earn about more than triple the salary they normally get: 25yo F can earn 17k yuan/month as a peiwan while she earned 5k yuan working outside. Flexible working hours and high pay is appealing, especially when most have not attended university and cannot have access to high-paying jobs Bixin becomes their happiness object since it fosters a sense of camaraderie amongst the peiwans that they typically can’t otherwise (introverted nature) Work is like “eating youthful rice”: exploit youthful appearance and abilities for short-term gains Less orders for older F peiwans (looks fade and are less favourable) Peiwans think of their work as “lanbing” - lazy disease Due to misrecognition that work and play are opposites as convention consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 32  peiwans are working at home through play so they shift the normative focus of work Type of Peiwans Leisure: make convo to make matches lively Technical: fights alongside boss to gain in-game levels for the boss (COST MORE) typically males but females also can do this If male bosses know the female peiwans for long, the boss can ask her for extra services like calling him to remind to sleep/wake up or sing for 30 yuan/30min (NOT SEXUAL SERVICES SINCE BIXIN FORBIDS THAT DUE TO PREVIOUS ACCUSATIONS) Bixin Vs Tuandui (Team) Bixin gives big god points to peiwans, starting from 600 points and can earn 400 points if they fulfil the criteria or lose points when they misbehave. More points —> more likely to appear on list of recommended peiwans —> a boss will choose that peiwan Digital Corralling of Peiwans Experienced Peiwans branch out and start their own teams through WeChat and invite bosses and other peiwans they know of. Bosses can have a steady supply of peiwans Peiwans don’t have to do hard tasks or pay the 20% commission since they are not under Bixin. Allegations of Abetting Sex Work Sept 2021: state authorities temp shutdown Bixin Pei in chinese means accompany (in a neutral tone). San pei: eat, drink and sleep with someone Opposite genders talking to one another: mind of others divert to the san pei notion consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 33  Why do this job when it has heavy costs? They can only on themsleves if welfare benefits are cuts Otherwise, they have to stick to lower-paying blue-collar manual and service jobs OR 996 for university graduates. It may be unsustainable in the long run but they would capitalise on work with play until they possibly can’t do so. playbor: low-paid/unwaged work with computer games and pop culture Leisure increasingly converges with labour. Social media platform exploit users’ free labour in the form of prosumption [produce (in the case of selling something) and consume] exploited ≠ playborers don’t find pleasure in actualising their dreams cosplaying - producing the costumes and go for conventions AND consume the related anime and others cosplaying In the US, players modify existing games to better suit their needs and unwittingly extend the games’ shelf lives. design their own levels, challenges, or missions within a game adapt rules or create their own house rules to better fit their gaming group’s preferences. create their own scenarios, rules, or expansions for existing games to enhance their gameplay experience. change graphics, add new levels, create new characters, or alter gameplay mechanics. Chinese rural youths find livestreaming as a faster and more engaging way to achieve more upward social mobility than traditional agricultural jobs hierarchized government structure even to the point of infrastructure (schools, healthcare, etc) consolidation of bq concepts till week 7 34  Labelling in China as a rural villager —> less quality of life Playborers stabilise their incomes by using new media (livestream bouts and commentaries to get presents from audience, that will be converted into money) Earn cash for livestreamers: clients use real money to buy in-app present and that in turn, is converted to real- life money. Peiwans are able to seek instant gratification through their jobs if they invest time, energy and resources towards achieving pl