In this engaging discussion, journalist Naima Reza moderates a captivating debate on happiness featuring Jeffrey Rosen, the CEO of the National Constitution Center and author on virtue's impact on American values. They tackle whether happiness should derive from virtue or pleasure, referencing philosophical giants like Socrates and Aristotle. The conversation highlights the significance of self-mastery, meaningful relationships, and the impact of income inequality. Ultimately, they balance the intertwined pursuit of pleasure and virtue in leading a fulfilling life.
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insights INSIGHT
Happiness: Virtue vs. Pleasure
Happiness is a complex idea explored in the Declaration of Independence's pursuit of it.
It can be pursued through virtue (doing good) or pleasure (feeling good).
insights INSIGHT
Defining Happiness
Happiness is subjective and can stem from various sources like enjoying intellectual debates or practicing virtues like industry.
Both Roger Crisp and Jeffrey Rosen consider themselves happy individuals.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rosen's Pursuit of Virtue
Jeffrey Rosen read classical philosophers during COVID, discovering their emphasis on virtue as happiness.
He found this pursuit transformative and now practices deep reading daily, inspired by the founders' industry.
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How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America
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Sacrifice Regained
Morality and Self-Interest in British Moral Philosophy from Hobbes to Bentham
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In 'Sacrifice Regained', Roger Crisp provides a comprehensive analysis of the foundations and development of British moral philosophy, focusing on the conflict or cohesion between self-interest and moral obligations. The book covers the moral theories of seventeen key philosophers, including Hobbes, Locke, Butler, Hume, and Bentham, among others. Crisp critically evaluates their views on happiness, virtue, and the well-being of others, highlighting the central debate in normative ethics between rational egoism, deontology, consequentialism, and various forms of dualism.
The Power of Wonder
The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live, Learn, and Lead
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This book takes readers on a multidisciplinary journey through psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, literature, and business to share the surprising secrets behind the mechanics of wonder. It guides readers in bringing more wonder into their lives, discussing elements and elicitors of wonder such as art, architecture, love, sex, sleep, and psychedelics. The book emphasizes how wonder can transform our bodies and brains, making us more resilient and better able to manage stress. It also highlights the spiritual and self-transcendent aspects of wonder, helping readers reconnect with a reverence for the world and its magic.
Happiness is a complex emotion and mental state that can be achieved through virtue or pleasure. But should it be for the good of the individual or society? Those in favor of virtue point to the Stoics and the Founding Fathers, saying you should strive for a life of moral virtue and rationality. Those in favor of pleasure say everyone should be able to experience it and define their sources of happiness. Now we debate: The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?
Arguing Virtue: Jeffrey Rosen, CEO & President of the National Constitution Center; Author of “The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America”
Arguing Pleasure: Roger Crisp, Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Oxford; Uehiro Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at St. Anne's College, Oxford
Nayeema Raza, Journalist at New York Magazine and Vox, is the guest moderator.
Open to Debate 
