What condition must be present to conclude whether or not someone is truly happy? Which is more important? What is the best expression between the relationship of happiness and ethics?
Condition- An existing state.
Expression- The act of expressing something by the use of words.
I believe that in order to conclude whether or not someone is truly happy depends on their interests or desires, their belief in good or evil, and whether they feel satisfied. Garth Kemerling explains, “A happy person will exhibit a personality appropriately balanced between reasons and desires, with moderation characterizing all. In this sense, at least, "virtue is its own reward." True happiness can therefore be attained only through the cultivation of the virtues that make a human life complete(Kemerling)." Meaning if you have the feeling of satisfaction of your virtues or goodness amongst this world in which we live in, only then can we feel true happiness. It is easier to be the greater good within this society than evil. This is because if you commit an evil act you will feel guilty, paranoid, and be filled with anger rather than the good, where you would have a sense of calmness. Interests also plays a role in happiness. Everyone has different interests whether its materialistic items such as a vehicle, an obsession with money or fortune, spending time with family and friends, or even attending events such as concerts.
I believe that the feeling of satisfaction is the most important condition in order to fulfill true happiness. I feel that some interests may not provide the satisfaction or true happiness, but only virtues or goodness. Like materialistic items such as ipods or phones. There is always going to be new technology coming into the market making people wanting to buy the newest item out there. Seeing this, the purchase previously made, will eventually have no meaning because you want the craving of that new ipod or phone. You can not be truly satisfied or happy from this in the long term because certain items being purchased can only make someone happy for a few weeks or months. Like purchasing a video game, the game will satisfy you until you get tired of playing it. With more purchases comes less amount of money in the bank which may also integrate into financial stress. I believe that in order to satisfy true happiness is through your virtues. Sharing good amongst society will help give you a sense of peace that could satisfy an individual for a longer period of time than some interests may.
The relationship between ethics and happiness is about the same. Ethics is all about making moral decisions and I believe that in order to achieve true happiness, you must have virtues. In order to achieve your virtues or the greater good, you would need to make ethical decisions.
(7) References:
Ruggiero. (2008). Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues. McGraw Hill.
Kemerling, Garth. "Aristotle: Ethics and the Virtues." 27 October 2001. 22 April
2009 http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/2s.htm
