Open to Debate The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?
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May 17, 2024 
Jeffrey Rosen argues for virtue as a source of happiness, referencing classical writers and the Founding Fathers. The debate explores whether happiness should come from virtue or pleasure, drawing from Stoics, Aristotle, and Locke. Discussions include the importance of self-control, long-term happiness versus short-term pleasures, and the balance between enjoyment and well-being in life.
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Two Paths to Happiness
- Happiness can be pursued through virtue (being good) or pleasure (feeling good).
- This debate mirrors philosophical discussions between Stoics and Hedonists.
Happiness as Virtue
- Classical philosophers and the Founding Fathers viewed happiness as being good, not feeling good.
- This involved self-mastery, using reason to control passions, and serving others.
The Case for Pleasure
- Pleasure is intuitively good, and pain is bad, a stance contrary to a strict interpretation of Socrates' views.
- Hedonism suggests virtue can be a path to pleasure, but not the only one.