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Happiness as an Ultimate End, 2005.
A discussion on the nature of happiness as an end by focusing on happiness as it stands within John Mill's utilitarian philosophy.
1,817 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by mentioning and analysing moral philosophies which do not take happiness as an ultimate end, such as the Aristotelian, Romantic and Protestant schools of thought. After discarding these ideas, as Mill does, the paper then questions Mill's statement that general happiness for society is everyone's moral goal, and finds that he does not argue this logical step through convincingly.
From the Paper
"It is recognised, and Mill himself admits, that his conception of happiness is something discrete from the basic theory of Utilitarianism, and one who does not agree with one, could still accept the other. Even so, the question of what exactly happiness is is a crucial one in deciding whether Mill's later assertions that happiness is the ultimate end of the individual, and general happiness is the ultimate end of society, are true. If happiness was made up of other things, or if it is tangled up in means to pleasure (such as money), the question increases in complexity. Mill certainly argues that happiness is pleasure, in some way, and that this is the ultimate end for an individual. From this, he makes the logical leap to the assertion that under Bentham's General Happiness Principle, general happiness is the end of society under a utilitarian philosophy."
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Education and Happiness, 2009.
Investigates the effect of education on personal happiness and job satisfaction in the United State of America.
2,015 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper first presents the author's research plan to use several different factors, such as the living and working conditions of the uneducated poor, to discover the effect of education on job satisfaction and personal happiness. Next, the author reviews five sources, which she feels indicates that education is directly related to higher levels of happiness and job satisfaction, primarily through the provision of greater personal opportunities. The reason for this conclusion, the paper states, is that people with higher levels of education can make decisions that cater to their personalities and desires; whereas, people without education do not have this option.
Table of Contents:
My Research Question
Learning To Be Happy: Education as Prerequisite for Happiness
Annotated Bibliography
From the Paper
"For instance, she documents a case where she and a Wal-Mart co-worker, Alyssa, attempt to negotiate a lower price on clearance priced, stained shirt. Once they realize they cannot afford the shirt, the conversation turns into the frustration of a lack of choices, the inability to even purchase a discounted item from one's place of employment. The uneducated Alyssa, in this case, did not have choices that allowed her to have job satisfaction or personal happiness."
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Happiness, 2004.
This paper discusses Plato and Aristotle?s attempt to describe happiness in exact terms.
3,110 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Aristotle appears to be more or less in agreement with Plato in that happiness is guided by intellect and reason. The author points out that Plato believes happiness results from a soul being ordered and ruled by reason, whereas Aristotle, who believes happiness is his guiding principle and a virtuous activity, concludes happiness is the end rather than the means. The paper, in an attempt to describe happiness today, concludes the only remaining truth is that happiness cannot be defined: Some people feel that happiness is striving actively for something, while others find their greatest happiness when at rest and at peace with themselves.
From the Paper
"As a basis for this theory, Plato divided the human soul into three basic energies: Reason, emotion and appetite. As seen above, reason has the greatest value and the greatest potential to provide happiness. The other two are lower passions, and while they may provide fleeting satisfaction, this is not comparable with the lasting happiness provided by being just. This is in contrast to the hedonist view to enjoy as much of the physical world as possible before one dies. The Sophists of Plato's time also argued against the need for morality. Plato's response is found in "The Republic", where he fully explains the workings of the soul according to his view. If a person were to be happy, according to Plato, the lower passions must be ruled by the higher force of reason. And the consequence of this is that morality is driven by the desire to be happy."
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Materialism, 2007.
This paper discuses the concept of materialism, which has long roots in the Western philosophical tradition.
1,545 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that materialism is based on the concept that matter is the essence of reality and that it is matter that creates the mind. The author differentiates between cultural materialism, which relates to understanding human societies through its material conditions such as geography, and dialectical materialism, which explains human processes such as art. The paper argues that materialists demonstrate that all aspects of the world have material causes; but these causes do not change the fact that decisions are made and responsibilities can be taken. The author concludes that the traditional concept of free will is a holdover from pre-Enlightenment desires for a spiritual component to the world that is uninfluenced by the material world.
Table of Contents:
Varieties of Materialism
Materialism and Free Will
From the Paper
"There may be, though, a way to reconcile materialism with the concept of free will. Free will requires that human actions are dictated by choices made individually by human beings, that responsibility for any action can be traced back to the individual. But this may be an incorrect epistemological approach, one that prevents free will enthusiasts from recognizing that free will does not have to be at odds with materialism. Superficially, there doesn't seem to be anyway around the matter of being able to find a fundamental material cause for every human decision, once attributed solely to free will. If prime mover status cannot reside with the human mind, then how can free will exist? This is the quandary faced by those who would reconcile these concepts."
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Materialism Vs. Spirituality, 2005.
A discussion on the elements of materialism and spirituality.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 6 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper looks closely at the elements of materialism and spirituality. It contends that materialism takes the more significant role in our daily lives. The paper firstly looks at the ideas of psychology, Marx and Nietzsche to prove that materialism is central to our human nature. The author explains that writings negative to materialism usually only deal with the excess of materialism, not materialism itself, to finally conclude that spiritually is important but not vital to existence.
From the Paper
"This estrangement between the two spheres of life, the relationship between materialism and spirituality, is as central a divide as one can imagine. From the remains of our earliest writings, these concepts have been illuminated for us by religious figures, philosophers, novelists, and literary critics, amongst many others. The two concepts, however, are often inextricably linked. In our daily lives, it is clear that materialism remains dominant, and it is vital to our survival as a species. Substance, then, is the true reality of the world, as it is used for the medium of explanation. Spiritualism, too, has been shown to play an important role in our lives as well, as faith has been illustrated as a guiding construct for people daily. The following will address the concepts of materialism and spirituality, analyzing the importance or vitality of acknowledging our material nature while allowing that spirituality too has a place ..."
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Cultural Materialism, 2007.
This paper discusses the concept of materialism and specifically the theory of cultural materialism.
1,334 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that one of the most persuasive theories in its analysis and relationship with empirical understanding is the theory of cultural materialism. The paper attempts to dissect cultural materialism to give a broader contextual understanding of why this theory is the most plausible explanation for current socio-cultural events and environments. The paper focuses on the theories of Marvin Harris.
From the Paper
"The concept of materialism can be broadly understood as the general theory that the "ultimate constituents of reality are material or physical bodies, elements or processes". It is a principle that holds everything in existence is reducible to a material or physical nature. Materialism directly contradicts dualistic theories which claim that body and mind are distinct entity and also directly attacks philosophical idealism which denies the existence of matter. The direct implication of materialism in general, is that the diverse qualitative experiences we have are reducible to quantitative changes in objects or our physiological functioning."
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Governmental Changes for Happiness, 2006.
An argumentative essay on taxation in America, and how the government should concern itself with the happiness and well-being of society.
1,415 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper proposes that America would do well to guarantee citizens that their fundamental needs would be met, by providing free health care, free education at all levels to which the individual can achieve (e.g. college and graduate work if qualified), and some form of public housing and food supplements beyond what is now available. The paper further proposes that instead of spending tax money on corporate welfare for companies likely to raise our gross national product while providing dangerous and unfulfilling jobs to Americans (such as oil and meat companies), Americans should focus on linking corporate tax breaks to better workplaces and employee satisfaction.
From the Paper
"In doing so, the nation increased average life expectancy by 19 years in less than a decade and a half, moved to preserve 60% of its territory as pristine forests, and provided free education and medical care to all citizens. In an era where even rich nations like America have very few virgin public lands and a massive percentage of uninsured individuals, this was a remarkable move for a third-world country. It comes as no surprise that across the developed world now, Bhutanese experts are being called upon for advice on how rich, dissatisfied nations can help their rich, dissatisfied citizens become happier. It seems highly unlikely that the answer is money, or even decreased inequality by means of heavy taxation. I, personally, would argue that in order to increase the happiness of our communities we need to focus first on their most basic needs for physical well being, and then on building spaces for close-knit and trusting communities, and supporting employee-friendly workplaces - even if this means sacrificing the system of corporate welfare and tax-increases for the rich and for corporations."
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Why We Are Able To Pursue Life, Liberty, and Happiness., 2002.
An overview of U.S. history - 1877 to 1919, and 1945 to 1970.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
A recent student college poll revealed that most want the right to enjoy "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This is, they said, what makes America great. To understand how America became this great, we will look at two important periods in U.S. history - 1877 to 1919, and 1945 to 1970.
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Human Happiness in the Enlightenment and Ancient Greece, 2002.
Compares the theme of human happiness as it is reflected in eighteenth century writer, Voltaire's "Zadig" and texts by Ancient Greek writers.
2,108 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
Eighteenth century Enlightenment author, Voltaire's title character, "Zadig" possesses every virtue and material good needed for happiness, yet he is constantly tossed about by fate, at the mercy of the some of the worst luck imaginable. The paper shows that the questions that are raised, therefore, involve the conditions on which happiness depends, the qualities needed to be happy, the effects that evil persons can have on one's happiness and the role played by merit, fate, chance or Providence in one's life. The paper shows that these were not new questions when Voltaire raised them in the middle of the eighteenth century. They were central issues that had absorbed the Greeks more than one thousand years before "Zadig" was invented. The paper shows how this theme of human happiness was reflected in their art (such as Sophocles' play "Oedipus Tyrannus"), in their histories (the writings of Herodotus and Thucydides) and in their philosophy (Plato's "Republic"). The paper looks at the similarities and differences between the philosophies during both time periods.
From the Paper
"The Greeks had far less difficulty with this question because they were more fatalistic and convinced that the individual's destiny was, in many respects, set by the gods and could not be altered--no matter how exemplary his behavior. This is certainly the case with Oedipus who, in Sophocles' play, is doomed to live out the terms of the prophecy no matter what efforts he makes to avoid it and no matter how exemplary a person he becomes. He is, in many respects, an ideal ruler and a good man, but when the horror of his fate is made known to him it is clear that these attributes and behaviors had nothing to do with his eventual fate. The Chorus generalizes from his experience saying that with Oedipus' fate as an example "nothing pertaining to man is enviable" (453)."
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In Understanding is Happiness, 1997.
An analysis of the ethics of happiness in Aristotle's "Nichomachean Ethics".
1,414 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper deals with what Aristotle termed as man's "highest good"--happiness--and to what extent happiness depends on material factors like fame and fortune.
From the Paper
"In book one of Aristotle?s Nichomachean Ethics, Aristotle muses over what he terms as ?The Highest Good,? happiness. He wonders about what it means to be happy and to what extent happiness is dependent on factors such as fate and fortune. One of the questions he raises along this line of inquiry has to do with the Greek saying, ?Count no man happy until he [is] dead.? He begins to deal with this question in section 1.82 of Irwin?s translation. He first takes the Greek saying quite seriously, asking the reader if it is possible for someone to be happy after they die. Quickly, he points out that this interpretation is absurd?after all, if happiness is an activity, how can someone who is dead take part in it (1100a14)"
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The Meaning of Happiness, 2006.
This paper examines the meaning of happiness.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the notion and emotion of happiness. Firstly, the writer presents a definition of happiness. The writer explains that happiness is a state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy or emotions experienced in a state of well being. The writer points out that happiness comes from within a person and can be seen in people who are satisfied with life. Further, the writer notes that happiness comes from finding answers to life and knowing that life is satisfying.
From the Paper
"What is happiness? How does a person determine whether he or she is happy? Often people confuse joy with happiness, but they are not the same. Joy is fleeting moments of happiness, while happiness is long lasting. A person winning a lottery is overwhelmed with joy, but it may not bring happiness. An elderly woman with five children and twenty grandchildren is happy because she knows she is loved. Happiness can be defined as an emotion similar to being sad, mad, angry, frustrated, joy, love, etc."
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The Philosophy of Happiness, 2005.
A look at the definition of happiness according to Aristotle and Epicurus
2,043 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of happiness in philosophy. Specifically, it defines and describes what makes a "happy" life for philosophers Aristotle and Epicurus. Happiness is an essential part of every life, but happiness can mean different things to different people, as these two philosophers clearly indicate. It shows how happiness should be a goal for everyone and how these two philosophers illustrate how to achieve it, though in differing ways and with different outcomes.
From the Paper
"Happiness is not the same concept to everyone, and Aristotle and Epicurus are no exceptions. Epicurus, who lived between 341 and 271 B.C., was an Athenian philosopher whose main theory centered on happiness and how to achieve it in life. He believed happiness would come if people did not fear death, took care of themselves, and did not indulge in desires that were not necessary (155). He felt that people were able to create, and must create, their own happiness, that it was not dependent on others. He writes, "We must then meditate on the things that make our happiness, seeing that when that is with us we have all, but when it is absent we do all to win it" (Epicurus 155). Epicurus' theories included theories on death, the gods, and immortality."
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Materialism and Greed Result in 'The Hobbit', 2007.
This paper discusses that materialism and greed result in death and destruction in 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien.
1,533 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer maintains that an underlying theme of materialism and its negative effects on people is present throughout the novel 'The Hobbit'. The writer points out that by bringing about the downfalls of all of the novel's selfish characters, Tolkien demonstrates that greed and materialism lead unerringly to suffering, and that true happiness can be found only through selflessness. The writer notes that the consequences of greed can be seen in a multitude of characters, even some who are normally viewed as moralistic, although they are most prevalent in characters such as Gollum and Smaug.The writer concludes that at the end of the novel, one finds that all of the characters who allowed greed to consume them are either dead or in a state of constant suffering.
From the Paper
" On the contrary, Bilbo never demonstrates this mixing of good and evil; he is entirely untainted, and represents self-sacrifice at its finest. One of the things that makes Bilbo such a heroic character is his incredible selflessness, which is seen throughout the novel. He aids Thorin and his Company repeatedly, without any reason for helping them besides a desire for adventure and the fact that he helps those in need. He attempts to infiltrate the camp of trolls, rescues the Dwarves from the spiders in the Mirkwood, frees the Dwarves from the Elvenking's hold, and confronts Smaug face to face. All of these are acts that put Bilbo directly in harm's way, but he does them because he feels that he cannot stand idly or turn the other way; he takes direct action when necessary, whether it benefits him or not."
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Aristotle and Happiness, 2005.
This paper discusses human nature and happiness according to Aristotle.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper seeks to demonstrate that Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is a treatise on the relationship between human happiness and human nature. To show this, the writer first explains how Aristotle connects human nature to his function argument and what either of those has to do with happiness. Then the writer analyzes the place of virtue in Aristotle's happiness, a place that draws heavily on the role of virtue in human nature. Finally, the writer discuss how happiness can be joined to a life of study under this Aristotelian perspective.
From the Paper
"According to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics, the realization of human happiness is intimately tied up with Aristotle's own conception of the extent of human nature. In the book, Aristotle makes a relatively sophisticated argument that examines the nature of human nature in terms of function and the goal of human existence. From this, Aristotle is able to analyze the role that virtues play in achieving happiness and the significance of a life of study and contemplation. In short, I intend to demonstrate that Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is a treatise on the relationship between human happiness and human nature. To show this, I will first explain how Aristotle connects human nature to his function argument--and what either of those have to do with happiness."
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Happiness and Religion in the American Population, 2002.
An analysis of the relationship between happiness and religious belief in American society through a literature review.
2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 15 sources, $ 106.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the correlation between happiness and religion in contemporary American society. Beginning with a literature review of various theories of happiness - psychological (Freud), economic (Marx), and sociological (Durkheim) - operational definitions of both happiness and religion will be proposed. Given the finds of the literature review, the parameters of both definitions will be as broad as possible. It will be seen that - for those Americans who possess a strong religious faith - there appears to be a correlation between religion and happiness.
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