Happiness and goodness : philosophical reflections on living well / Steven M. Cahn, Christine Vitrano ; foreword by Robert B. Talisse.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cahn, Steven M., author.

Vitrano, Christine, author.

Contributor:

Talisse, Robert B., writer of foreword.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Conduct of life.

Happiness.

Life.

Well-being.

Human comfort.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xviii, 114 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Columbia University Press, [2015]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

How should we evaluate the success of each person's life? Countering the prevalent philosophical perspective on the subject, Steven M. Cahn and Christine Vitrano defend the view that our well-being is dependent not on particular activities, accomplishments, or awards but on finding personal satisfaction while treating others with due concern.The authors suggest that moral behavior is not necessary for happiness and does not ensure it. Yet they also argue that morality and happiness are needed for living well, and together suffice to achieve that goal. Cahn and Vitrano link their position to elements within both the Hellenistic and Hebraic traditions, in particular the views of Epicurus and lessons found in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Written in an accessible style and illustrated with incisive vignettes drawn from history, literature, films, and everyday life, Happiness and Goodness is a compelling work of philosophy for anyone who seeks to understand the nature of a good life.

Contents:

Introduction

Wasted Lives?

Projects of Worth?

Flourishing?

Things That Matter?

Morality and Happiness

Morality and Unhappiness

Character

Appearing Moral

God and Morality

Heaven and Hell

Moral Judgments

Moral Standards

Choosing the Experience Machine

Happiness and Ignorance

Assessing Achievement

Pleasures and Pains

Fear of the Divine

Fear of Unfulfilled Desires

Fear of Death

Futility

Living Well

Satisfaction

Concluding Questions.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 08. Jul 2019)

Other Format:

Print version: Cahn, Steven M. Happiness and goodness.

ISBN:

9780231539364

OCLC:

979745913