Name
Capella University
PHI FPX 2000 Ethics
Prof. Name
November, 2024
Ethics, Happiness, and the Good Life
These three concepts are closely related and formed the mainstay of much philosophical analysis through the ages. Ethics essentially deals with the question of what is right or wrong, forming the basis of conduct to lead individuals toward actions that promote well-being for themselves and others (Ciulla, 2020). Happiness, often identified as a state of satisfaction and contentment, is very closely connected to ethical living in most philosophical traditions. For instance, Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia translated to “the good life,” or flourishing stipulates that only true happiness could result from living well and realizing one’s potential. Utilitarian thinkers such as John Stuart Mill may argue that happiness is, the presence of pleasure and absence of pain- is the ultimate good to which virtue could be related. The ultimate means to a meaningful and balanced life are therefore provided by aligning actions with ethical principles. This in turn can go as far as personal satisfaction up to doing good for society at large.
Definition of Happiness and a Well-Lived Life or the Good Life
Happiness usually relates to the feeling of being well, characterized by contentment, joy, and a sense of fulfillment (Bakracheva, 2020). It is an experience quite individualized, which depends on persons and their values, goals, and environment in their lifetime. Philosophers and psychologists alike have analyzed the concept of happiness: to some, a momentary feeling linked with something exterior in life, but to others it is something more permanent arising as a function of living a good life. Thus, Aristotle was able to explain happiness as eudaimonia-again flourishing-as a result of living well and fulfilling one’s potential. Contemporary perspectives link happiness to external sources, such as relationships and achievements, but also to internal sources, which include being thankful and present.
A “good life” or living well is much more than the pursuit of fleeting pleasures or material success (Marimuthu Prahasan, 2024). It implies purpose, meaningful relationships, and effective living by one’s values. For some, it will mean contributing to society, nurturing close relations, personal growth, and self-actualization. Virtue, self-control, and resilience, in particular, are considered an essential element in achieving the good life, as the Stoics, for example. But more contemporary thinkers talk about the balance between individual freedom and social responsibility. Finally, a good life would be something that entwines happiness at the personal level of living and also a broader fulfillment with ethical integrity.
Utilitarianism Ethical Theory
Utilitarianism is such an ethical theory, focusing on the concept of utility, that holds views of actions to be taken to maximize overall happiness or minimize overall suffering (Savulescu et al., 2020). Utilitarianism and its development were established by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Under utilitarianism, an action’s morality is judged by its consequences rather than its intentions. Bentham came up with a quantitative approach, saying that pleasure and pain can be measured for one to determine what to do next. Mill further elaborated this, arguing that there exist qualitative differences between pleasurable feelings and that intellectual and moral pleasures are greater than physical ones. The utilitarian theory gives the notion that the morally right thing is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people, thus making it the practical approach to solving ethical dilemmas in personal, social as well as political contexts.
Core Values and Their Relationship to the Definition of “The Good Life”
Core values are basic beliefs and guiding principles that shape a person’s behavior, decisions, and goals and play an important role in defining the good life (Sagiv & Roccas, 2021). The core values include integrity, compassion, responsibility, and respect-intangibles, which guide people toward a life of purpose and fulfillment. A well-lived life is translated to the relationship of action and core values in such a way that gives life more authenticity and coherence. For instance, an honest value will ensure sustaining actual honest relationships that will add up to deeper connection and trust as features of happiness. Values like compassion and empathy would further contribute to meaningful contributions to people’s well-being and enhanced sense of purpose and satisfaction. Values are always very deeply ingrained in the good life and living of virtues in philosophical traditions. The idea of flourishing Aristotle came out when he emphasized that living by virtue represents living well. Nowadays, when people adjust their daily lives according to some ideal values they uphold, they typically become more satisfied with their lives and exhibit greater well-being. The core values not only define what the good life is for a person but also how it can be achieved to make such value indispensable in the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling existence.
The Most Important Personal Value
What best value a person should uphold varies from one to another, but for many, integrity serves as the base of all implemented values (Sudrajat Sudrajat et al., 2024). Integrity is about sincerity, transparency, and purity in action and decision. This aspect is significant because it creates trust, not only among personal relationships but also on a professional level as well as within society. An honest man or woman acts by his or her values and aligns one’s words and actions. Such consistency brings about great personal respect and garners the respect of other people as well. Integrity is also a beacon in times of conflict, allowing one clarity in moral dilemmas and teaching individuals to choose between choices that uphold their values.
In addition, integrity increases the quality of a person’s life because it contributes toward consistent relationships and authentic relationships. When people live by integrity, then they create an atmosphere of trustworthiness and reliability. Then this comes as a strong glue that supplements and builds relationships and a sense of community. In the working environment, this supports ethical behavior accountability, which would then cultivate a culture that is both fair and respectful. More personally, it would help people not feel guilty or regretful about themselves and others by filling their hearts with inner peace and happiness. In this respect, integrity is not only defined by a person’s character but also adds to the richness of their life and that of those surrounding them.
Ethical Obligation to Others Related to the Definition of Happiness and the Good Life
The ethical obligation to others is highly connected with the concepts of happiness and a good life since living well involves contributing to the good condition of other humans (Alam, 2022). Aristotle, John Stuart Mill, and other philosophers have all famously emphasized that true happiness is not achieved in solitude but in community and with a shared purpose. Social conditions under which mutual happiness is possible are created by ethical duties to others, such as treating people with kindness, fairness, and respect. Fulfilling such obligations, so important for a good life in themselves, can generate trust, cooperation, and loving relationships between people. “My acts of generosity and pity raised others; it helped me too.”. Therefore, living an ethical life towards others ensures that it provides a good life beyond self-gratification to the attainment of a more far-reaching vision of communal well-being. Of course, this sense of interdependence reflects precisely the idea that one’s happiness and flourishing are inherently connected with the happiness and flourishing of others in such a way that ethical obligation is a foundation on which a meaningful and harmonious life can be built.
PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 1 Conclusion
In conclusion, striving for happiness and the good life is deeply bound with issues in ethics, values, and obligations to others (Bagozzi, 2020). Happiness is not just a feeling but has been achieved by someone living a virtuous life, and making great relationships. Core values like integrity and compassion lead people to choices with actions that make up their purpose and contribute to personal and collective benefits. Ethical obligations to others work to reinforce those conceptions of trust, justice, and compassion that allow for the possibility of society’s peace. The good life, taken as a whole, therefore reflects not just individual satisfaction but creating a life of balance, purpose, and shared happiness anchored in ethical actions and a commitment to the greater good.
PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 1 References
Alam, A. (2022). Investigating sustainable education and positive psychology interventions in schools towards the achievement of sustainable happiness and wellbeing for 21st-century pedagogy and curriculum. ECS Transactions, 107(1), 19481–19494. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.19481ecst
Bakracheva, M. (2020). The meanings are ascribed to happiness, life satisfaction, and flourishing. Psychology, 11(01), 87–104. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2020.111007
Bagozzi, R. (2020). Some thoughts on happiness, well-being, and a meaningful life for academics. Review of Marketing Research, 137–169. https://doi.org/10.1108/s1548-643520200000017014
Ciulla, J. B. (2020). Ethics and Effectiveness: The Nature of Good Leadership. The Search for Ethics in Leadership, Business, and Beyond, 50(1), 3–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38463-0_1
Marimuthu Prahasan. (2024). Applying epicurean philosophy to managing modern pursuits of happiness and life satisfaction – an analytical perspective. International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM), 12(08), 1916–1923. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsrm/v12i08.sh01
Savulescu, J., Persson, I., & Wilkinson, D. (2020). Utilitarianism and the pandemic. Bioethics, 34(6), 620–632. https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.12771
Sagiv, L., & Roccas, S. (2021). How do values affect behavior? Let me count the ways. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 25(4), 108886832110159. https://doi.org/10.1177/10888683211015975
Sudrajat Sudrajat, Agustina Tri Wijayanti, & Gautam Kumar Jha. (2024). Inculcating honesty values in boarding school: a study in Muhammadiyah boarding school Yogyakarta. AL-ISHLAH Jurnal Pendidikan, 16(1), 317–327. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i1.4501
