PHIL 3160 – Philosophy of Happiness

What is it, how can we best pursue it, why should we? Supporting the study of these and related questions at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond. "Examining the concept of human happiness and its application in everyday living as discussed since antiquity by philosophers, psychologists, writers, spiritual leaders, and contributors to pop culture."

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Final Reflections and Thoughts

What I feel like I took away most for this semesters reading on happiness are that while we all have different needs to be happy, are basic needs for happiness in our lives is similar. And one of the readings I found most helpful was from Haybron in chapter three. Like I mentioned in a previous blog, I took a lot away from the story of Moreese 'Pop" Bickman. The fact that man spent 37 years in prison for a crime that was self-defense and had the ability to be free of bitterness and was satisfied with his life when he was released. 

For me it was a wake up call and made me think about the things I allow to steal my happiness. If a man imprisoned can find satisfaction in the bleakest of circumstances, I can surely get over the inconveniences in my own life and find satisfaction through trials. By not comparing my life to anyone else's. Like Haybron stated, life satisfaction is a matter of judgements. 

In regard to Bertrand's texts what I really enjoyed was how the author broke down all the basic needs for human happiness and satisfaction. While I didn't agree with all of the author's viewpoints, I did agree with many of them. For instance, I really enjoyed how he talked about how self-centeredness is a big cause of unhappiness. In my own life when I've been overly self-preoccupied and only focused on myself, I've had the least satisfaction in life. But when I've been focused on doing things for others I've found the most satisfaction. On the flip side of that, unlike the author I do believe that some form of self-centeredness is necessary for self-satisfaction. Like not self-sacrificing your physical or mental health for others who drain you or for things that are not worth the effort. 

Overall the study of happiness helped to open my eyes to things that contribute to overall happiness and unhappiness in my life as well as those I love. While some chapters did feel a bit like common sense knowledge it was still an interesting read. Some books I may possible read on the topic of happiness in the future are: The book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a changing World and The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living

SL

3 comments:

  1. I agree that a person's state of mind, and how they choose to view and work through the tough times, definitely factors into happiness. You mentioned Bickman, who still viewed his life as happy, after serving most of it in jail, for a crime he didn't commit. Do you think that his outlook has more to do with his life experiences humbling him; or do you think his outlook would be attributed more to the intrinsic qualities that he is made up of (the virtues that were instilled in him in childhood?) Because I know that I have personally overcame some very difficult situations throughout my lifetime already, that I could have allowed to break me down completely; but looking back at those times and thinking about how I was able to achieve the right mindset to get through the situation; and after reading Haybron and Russell's views on morality and parenting, I can't help but to accredit my sense of morality and my ability to achieve mindfulness, to my father who raised me.

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  2. Good question! I personally think that Bickman's attitude was probably was a mix of both his own virtues and values instilled in him as a child. And while I can't speak for Bickman specifically I also think his faith in God might have had something to do with it as well. It's not mentioned in the reading but I know many men find God in prison. Also as an black woman I know a belief in God or higher purpose is instilled in most African Americans at a certain age. So reading that chapter I couldn't help but believe Bickman's outlook had more to do with his faith in something bigger than him more than anything else.

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  3. I also considered his strong faith in God; that would make sense, and of course would be connected to the values that were instilled in him as a child, more than likely by his parents like you mentioned (and possibly more so because of his heritage as you also mentioned.) Thank you! :)

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You don’t need a pill: Neo

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