Paradoxes of Happiness

Authors

Mike W. Martin, Chapman UniversityFollow

Files

Description

Should happiness be pursued directly and deliberately, keeping our eyes on the prize? Doing so is self-defeating, according to the paradox of happiness, for it undermines meaning and even enjoyment. Instead we should participate in activities and relationships that we find inherently meaningful, rather than solely because of the happiness we hope to find in them. Then, with any luck, happiness will come indirectly. I believe this paradox expresses an important truth, albeit by using a dollop of hyperbole. Indeed, it expresses a number of truths that are highlighted by dividing the paradox of happiness into a dozen more specific paradoxes concerning aims (hedonism, self-interest), success, freedom, and attitudes.

ISBN

978-94-007-5701-1

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Springer

City

Dordrecht

Keywords

Moral Philosophy, Happiness, Paradoxes of Happiness, Hedonism, Freedom, Success

Disciplines

Philosophy

Comments

In Antonella Delle Face (Ed.), The Exploration of Happiness. Dr. Martin's chapter begins on page 31.

This text is only partially available through the link provided; some pages are not included.

Recommended Citation

Martin, Mike W. "Paradoxes of Happiness." The Exploration of Happiness. Ed. Antonella Delle Fave. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 2013. 31-46.

Peer Reviewed

1

Copyright

Springer