Conceptualisation of happiness based on debate over virtue and external goods

(Written on 15/1/2020)

Poor but happy? Is it possible? The origin of happiness has been widely scrutinised by scientists and philosophers. In psychology, happiness refers to a positive affect, an elusive state that is subjective, quantifying, pertinent to individuals (“Psychology Of Happiness: The Science Of Being Happy”, 2020). It is acknowledgeable that maintaining a happy life is of paramount importance as mentally-well, delighted individuals can achieve personal ambitions and goals more often compared to less happy individuals (Durham, 2019). Thus, it brings life satisfaction to them. Therefore, it is worthwhile to discuss the origin of happiness. So that the ways to safeguard happiness and wellbeing among individuals can be suggested and implemented in according settings such as their homes and schools.

When considering factors leading to happiness, opinions vary. Two predominate, closely related but distinctive thoughts by Aristotle and the Stoics about eudaimonia emerge in the ancient ethics. Eudaimonia refers to happiness and welfare in general (Deci & Ryan, 2006; Kraut, 2018). The major discrepancy of their conceptualisation of eudaimonia is the consideration on virtue of character and external goods. Whether external goods such as wealth, beauty, health, materials outweigh virtue of character when considering happiness, or vice versa, have been a debate over decades in the ancient time. Virtue of character can be defined as goodness and behaviours displaying high morality. Aristotle takes virtue as the most vital constituent in eudaimonia but also acknowledges the significance of external possessions. In contrast, the Stoics proposed that virtue is necessary and sufficient for eudaimonia and thus deny the necessity of external possessions (Jacobs, 2012).

Reference

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Hedonia, eudaimonia, and well-being: An introduction. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 1-11.

Durham, J. (2019). Why is Happiness so Important?. Retrieved 15 January 2020, from http://www.lifecoachexpert.co.uk/whyishappinesssoimportant.html

Kraut, R. (2018). ‘Aristotle’s Ethics’ in Zalta, E. N. (editor) The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2018 Edition). Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2018/entries/aristotle-ethics/.

Jacobs, J. A. (Ed.). (2012). Reason, religion, and natural law: from Plato to Spinoza. Oxford University Press.

Psychology Of Happiness: The Science Of Being Happy. (2020). Retrieved 15 January 2020, from https://www.psychologistworld.com/emotion/psychology-of-happiness-positive-affect  

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