Unit 1: Happiness 101: Philosophy

Who taught Plato?

Socrates

Who taught Aristotle?

Plato

What is the main argument of Socrates in The Republic?

A life of virtue is necessary for deep happiness.

What does Thrasymachus argue about justice?

It is more profitable to be unjust than to be just.

What is Socrates' first response to Thrasymachus?

Justice brings harmony and allows people to achieve common goals.

What is the telos according to Socrates?

The ultimate goal or purpose of something.

What does Socrates believe is the telos of the soul?

Doing well what the soul is designed for, such as thinking and governing the body.

How does Socrates define happiness?

Happiness is achieved by fulfilling one's telos.

What is the analogy of health in ethics?

Just as the body has requirements for physical health, the soul has requirements for spiritual health.

What does Socrates say about committing injustice?

It is like poisoning your own soul.

What is virtue according to Socrates?

Excellent performance of function.

What is eudaimonia?

Deep, lasting happiness and fulfillment.

What are the four cardinal virtues?

Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance.

What does prudence enable you to do?

Know the right thing to do and how to do it in a situation.

What is the virtue of justice?

Enables you to give to others what is due to them.

What is fortitude also known as?

Courage.

What does temperance enable one to do?

Act with moderation in the enjoyment of material goods.

What is Aristotle known for in ethics?

Was the first to write a thorough, systematic treatment of ethics.

What is the 'Golden Mean' in Aristotle's ethics?

Virtue is the average between opposing vices.

What is an example of the 'Golden Mean'?

Courage lies between foolhardiness and cowardice.

What is virtue according to Aristotle?

The habit of choosing to do the good.

What is vice according to Aristotle?

The habit of choosing to do evil.

How is virtue gained according to Aristotle?

Through the repetition of virtuous actions.

What are the five methods for growing in virtue?

Observe virtuous people, avoid extremes, know yourself, be wary of pleasures, "Bent Stick" remedy

What is the significance of the term 'cardinal' in cardinal virtues?

It means 'hinge,' indicating their importance as foundational virtues.

What is the relationship between virtue and happiness?

Virtue is necessary for achieving true happiness.

What happens when you deliberately seek pleasures through excess?

You can get stuck in the lower levels of happiness.

In terms of levels of happiness, why is it better to seek virtue rather than pleasure?

By seeking virtue, pleasures tend to come on their own without becoming enslaved to them.

What is the Bent Stick Remedy?

It involves bending yourself in the opposite direction of your habits to aim for balance.

What is the ultimate goal of Aristotelian Ethics?

Happiness (telos).

What are the four cardinal virtues in Aristotelian Ethics?

Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.

What are the key differences between Aristotelian Ethics and Christian Ethics?

Christian Ethics includes concepts of a personal God, grace, love, humility, human dignity, and mercy

What are the Four Levels of Happiness according to Fr. Robert Spitzer?

1. Sensory Pleasure, 2. Ego-Centered Pleasure, 3. Contributive Happiness, 4. Ultimate Happiness.

What characterizes Level 1 of happiness?

Sensory Pleasure gained from immediate gratification through the five senses.

Why is Level 1 happiness not enough?

It is short-term, shallow, and self-seeking, leading to addiction and boredom.

What characterizes Level 2 of happiness?

Ego-Centered Pleasure gained from personal achievements and comparisons with others.

Why is Level 2 happiness not sufficient?

It is unstable and self-seeking, leading to despair if one perceives failure.

What defines Level 3 happiness?

Contributive Happiness gained from contributing to others' happiness and healthy relationships.

Why is Level 3 happiness still not enough?

It is limited by the finite and imperfect nature of people; the human heart desires the infinite.

What is Level 4 happiness?

Ultimate Happiness, the enjoyment of infinite truth, goodness, beauty, love, and existence forever.

What is the relationship between God and Level 4 happiness?

God is the source of Level 4 Happiness, and eternal union with Him provides ultimate fulfillment.

How does friendship with God relate to happiness?

It allows one to start experiencing Level 4 happiness in this life.

What are the three ways humans image God according to St. Thomas Aquinas?

1. Intellect 2. free will 3. Being made for relationship.

What does an increase in Christian perfection require?

Our free consent, or 'fiat' (let it be done) to God's call

How does knowing and loving God affect other levels of happiness?

It puts all other desires into perspective and allows for enjoyment without expecting everlasting happiness from them.

What is the intrinsic dignity of human beings based on?

Being created in God's image and likeness.

What is the ultimate desire of human hearts according to the textbook?

True friendship with God.

How can one achieve true joy and fulfillment according to Socrates?

By cultivating the intellect to know truth and directing free will toward the good.