Utilitarianism and Happy-People-Pills

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to the moral argument for using drugs to enhance happiness as explored in the notes on utilitarianism and happy-people-pills.

Hedonism

A theory that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

Utilitarianism

A moral philosophy that evaluates the best actions based on their outcomes, specifically aiming to maximize net happiness.

Prudentially good life

A life that is good for the person whose life it is, typically associated with personal happiness and well-being.

Morally good life

A life characterized by moral values and actions that are considered virtuous, often involving self-sacrifice for others.

Hyperthymic

Refers to individuals who have a strong predisposition to experience frequent positive moods and high levels of happiness.

Hypothemic

Refers to individuals who tend to experience frequent negative moods and a lower level of happiness.

Happy-People-Pills (HPP)

Hypothetical pharmaceutical agents aimed at enhancing happiness in individuals, potentially by altering genetic influences.

Net utility

The net balance of happiness generated by an action minus the unhappiness caused by it.

Gene influence

The impact that genetic makeup has on an individual's traits or predispositions, including happiness.

Emotional appropriateness

The concept that experiencing a range of emotions, including sadness, is a natural and necessary part of human life.