Transcript Happiness: Unit 7

Happiness
HU 300
Happiness
 "Happiness is a journey, not a destination;
happiness is to be found along the way not at the
end of the road, for then the journey is over and it's
too late. The time for happiness is today not
tomorrow."
~ Quoted by Paul H Dunn
Philosophies of Happiness
 Hedonism-comes from the Greek word meaning
“delight”.
Aristippus believed that happiness is the sum total of all
our pleasures.
 Epicureanism-named after the philosopher Epicurus.
The belief is that pain is unavoidable.
Go after pleasures that are attainable especially taking
part in the humanities, art, music, theater and literature.
 Some believe it is similar to Hedonism but more
modified.
Stoicism
 Another Greek Philosophy
Began by Zeno
 Its major points:
“pain is inevitable and there is no sense trying to avoid it;
happiness in not to be measured in terms of how much
pain we manage to avoid, but how we respond to
anything that happens.”
Stoicism is rooted in reason (the ability to see things as
they really are.)
Eastern Philosophies

Gandhi’s life illustrates the Hindu definition of
happiness- achieving good karma from how you live
your daily life.

Buddhist view- two paths:
1. Hinayana Path (little ferry boat)- which means that
one is primarily concerned with curbing desire and
doing good deeds so you can achieve good karma.
2. Mahayana Path- (big ferryboat) the wider path to
happiness, attainable by helping others find the way.
Think of the Dali Lama.
How do you define
Happiness?
Definition
 How does the
definition of
happiness change
over a lifetime?
Happiness Generally
 Though the
definitions may
vary, are there
overall elements
that are required
for something to be
considered
happiness?
The Story of Happiness
 How do our views
of happiness reflect
cultural myths?
Pop Happiness
 Consider the
mythic figures of
celebrities in our
culture. How is
happiness defined
by American media
and advertising?