week 2: the philosophy of happiness - literature Flashcards
What is hedonic theory of happiness?
happiness consists of pleasure attainment and pain avoidance and is a subjective measure
What is eudaemonic theory of happiness
virtuous activity, autonomy, positive relationships. Independent of what a person likes or cares about
In the eyes of philosophers, are hedonic and eudaimonic happiness related?
No, these concepts are distinct and one can occur without the other
How is subjective well-being different from psychological well-being and self-determination?
The latter are more eudaemonic oriented, specifying certain needs as imperative to human well-being
Is happiness possible to achieve?
Setting aside extreme versions of happiness, yet it is possible to experience predominantly positive emotions and be satisfied with their lives
Why is it logical that people are most of the times mildly positive?
broaden and built theory of positive emotions
What are 5 good outcomes of happiness on an individual level?
(1) Better Health
(2) Better workplace performance
(3) Better social relationships
(4) More altruistic behavior
(5) More positive emotional spill-over
What are 3 good outcomes of happiness on a national level?
(1) Higher trust
(2) More volunteerism
(4) More democratic attitudes
What are 3 ways how we CAN NOT improve our happiness
(1) Seeking happiness in pleasure
(2) Seeking happiness in money and consumption
(3) Seeking happiness in fulfillment of our desires
What are 5 ways how we can improve our happiness?
(1) Healthy habits of the body
(2) Healthy relationship with oneself
(3) Healthy relationship with others
(4) Virtues
(5) A healthy connection to a larger beyond
Why was agriculture potentially not as good was we thought for mankind? (4)
(1) Diets were increasingly less varied and nutritious
(2) More carb-heavy foods high in calories low in nutrients
(3) More epidemic diseases and violance
(4) More war
What was Daoist Zuhan Zi view of happiness? (2)
(1) Perfect happiness is without happiness
(2) True happiness required devotion to the Dao or Way
What was master Kongzi/Confusius view of happiness? (3)
(1) Knowing how to find joy in the right things in the right ways
(3)Emphasis on good conduct and value of family
(3) Connection to deeper structures and patterns in the universe
What is welfare hedonism?
Well-being consists solely in the presence of pleasure and absence of pain
What is Psychological hedonism?
Ultimate goal of everyone is to pursue pleasure and minimize own pain
