Five ancient theories of happiness.
Item
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Title
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Five ancient theories of happiness.
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Identifier
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AAI9720073
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identifier
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9720073
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Creator
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Altobello, Robert James.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Steven M. Cahn
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Date
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1997
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Philosophy
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Abstract
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This work examines the idea of happiness from five ancient perspectives. It is an analysis of the kind of life one would have to lead in order to have a life worthy of being called "happy". The views examined are the positions of Aristotle, Epicurus, the Stoics, Vedanta, and Buddhism. Each view presents an argument designed to answer the question, "What kind of life is the best possible life?" Each view gives an answer which could be characterized as a version of "happiness". The main thesis of the work is that, though none of the views will fully satisfy the contemporary reader, each view does offer a significant contribution in attempting to answer the above posed question. The introduction of Eastern views makes it possible to probe some unexplored areas and adds a breadth of diversity to the issue by contrasting Western arguments to the Eastern perspective.;The work's structure pivots around a cluster of core "happiness" issues. These issues are: (1) the explanation of 'happiness'; (2) the role of external goods; (3) the significance of morality; (4) the relevance of pleasure and pain; and (5) the mode of living which offers the best chance for success. The idea behind this format is that any theory of happiness must give us answers to the questions which arise within these areas. Finding the best answers to these questions will lead to some idea of what a defensible view of happiness must capture. Finally, by synthesizing these "best answers", an attempt is made to produce a view of happiness that incorporates the strong points which emerge as the study proceeds.;The argument which unfolds is that all of these views find themselves at critical junctures in conflict with what one might call "the ordinary common-sense view of happiness". Resolution of the conflicts allows a view to arise which tries to wed the common-sense intuitions to the demands of theory. A major claim that emerges is that at certain points the incorporation of some Eastern arguments leads to significant contributions which offer the needed bridge between the world of common sense and that of theory.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
