Philosophy of Happiness

A compilation of vocabulary terms and their definitions related to the Philosophy of Happiness course.

Philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

Happiness

A mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions.

Intrinsic Motivation

Engaging in an activity for its own sake, rather than for some separable consequence.

Ethics

A branch of philosophy that deals with questions about what is morally right and wrong.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge, including its nature, sources, limits, and validity.

Metaphysics

The branch of philosophy concerned with the fundamental nature of reality.

Mindfulness

The psychological process of bringing one's attention to the present moment.

Socratic Method

A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue that stimulates critical thinking.

Anekāntavāda

A Jain philosophy embracing complex perspectives for a more holistic understanding of reality.

Hedonism

An ethical framework that considers pleasure as the highest good.

Cārvāka

An ancient Indian school of philosophy advocating materialism and empiricism.

Eudaimonia

A term from Aristotelian ethics referring to a state of living well or flourishing.

Qualitative Hedonism

The idea that not all pleasures are equal; some are more desirable and valuable than others.

Felicific Calculus

A method used by Bentham to calculate the greatest happiness based on pleasure and pain.

Dukkha

A Pali term often translated as suffering or discomfort in Buddhism.

Nirvana

The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Attitudinal Hedonism

The theory that happiness is determined by one's attitudes towards the events in life.

Desire Satisfaction Theory

The idea that happiness is achieving satisfaction in one's desires.

Whole Life Satisfaction

Evaluating happiness through the overall quality of one's life, not just through momentary experiences.

Ahiṃsā

The principle of non-violence and respect for all living things.

Can happiness be objectively measured?

A philosophical question debating if happiness can be quantified through empirical studies.

Journaling

The practice of writing down thoughts, feelings, and reflections, often for self-discovery and clarity.

Gratitude Journaling

A type of journaling focused on acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life.

Stream of Consciousness Writing

A writing style that captures one's thoughts as they occur, often without structure.

Reflective Journaling

Analyzing past experiences to gain insights and facilitate personal growth.

Mindful Eating

A practice of being fully present during meals and recognizing the experience of eating.

Philosophical Inquiry

The examination of questions about existence, ethics, knowledge, etc., to seek deeper understanding.

Empirical Knowledge

Knowledge acquired through observation or experimentation rather than theory or pure logic.

Subjective Well-Being

How individuals experience the quality of their lives and includes both emotional reactions and cognitive judgments.

Zen Principle

A core aspect of Zen philosophy representing simplicity and living in the moment.

Philosophy of Happiness

The study and exploration of what happiness is and how it can be achieved.

Average LSAT Scores by Major

Statistics comparing average Law School Admission Test scores across different collegiate majors.

Capacities

Skills and abilities essential for individuals to live and flourish.

Philosophical Assumptions

Underlying beliefs or principles that serve as a foundation for specific philosophical arguments.

Existential Freedom

The concept of being able to make choices independent of external constraints or influences.

Authenticity

Living in accordance with one's true self and values.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychological treatment that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.

Dynamic Nature of Reality

The understanding that reality is constantly changing and complex.

Relational Metaphysics

The philosophical view that emphasizes the connections and relationships among entities.

Moral Judgments

Assessments of actions or behaviors in relation to concepts of right and wrong.

Emotional State Theory

The idea that happiness is determined by the overall balance of one's positive and negative emotions.

Well-Being

A positive state that includes happiness, health, and fulfillment.

Pleasure

A feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction derived from experiences.

Self-Reflection

The practice of introspection to gain insight into one’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

Existentialism

A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice.

Postmodernism

An approach questioning established narratives and ideologies, often related to cultural and social analysis.

Jain Philosophy

An ancient Indian philosophy known for its principles of non-violence and respect for all living beings.

Aristotelian Ethics

A virtue-based ethics system that emphasizes living a virtuous life to achieve human flourishing.

The Good Life

A concept in philosophy referring to a fulfilling life filled with meaning and purpose.

Freud’s Pleasure Principle

A psychoanalytic concept that suggests people are driven by the desire to seek pleasure and avoid pain.

Zen Koan

A paradoxical anecdote or riddle used in Zen practice to provoke thought and contemplation.

Contributions to Community

Engagement and actions that promote well-being and flourishing in societal contexts.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A psychological theory proposing a hierarchy of human needs, from basic survival to self-actualization.

The Experience Machine

A thought experiment by Nozick questioning if one would plug into a machine providing pleasurable experiences.

Interconnectedness

The relationship among living beings and their dependence on one another.

Happiness as an Achievement

The perspective that happiness is a result of one's efforts and achievements over time.

Shared Humanity

The belief in the fundamental connection among all human beings.

Compassionate Action

Engaging in acts of kindness and support for others' well-being.

Social Connection

The relationships and bonds developed between individuals.

Critical Thinking Skills

The ability to analyze information objectively and make rational decisions.

Cultivating Patience

Developing the ability to tolerate difficult situations and waiting for desired outcomes.

Existential Questions

Fundamental inquiries regarding human existence, purpose, and meaning.

Personal Growth

The ongoing process of self-improvement and development in various life aspects.