PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 1 Ethics, Happiness, and the Good Life PHI FPX 2000 Ethics

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What is the “Good Life”?

While many definitions exist for what constitutes a good life, my perspective is simpler. A good life is one that brings joy, serenity, and contentment. A fulfilling life is inherently rewarding, where the tasks performed contribute to one’s happiness. To live a respectable life, an individual must have morals and values. Contentment with what one has and a love for helping others define a good life. A self-sufficient person who does not rely on others is more likely to lead a healthy and happy life with fewer risks. Such a person can experience joy, tranquility, and happiness independently and should strive to spread this positivity to those around them. An optimistic person, in my view, contributes positively to their world and the society they live in. Anyone can feel their life is “good” if they believe those around them are also living happy lives.

To achieve a happy life, I must develop and execute a well-planned strategy effectively and timely. Pursuing one’s desires and achieving goals can lead to a good life. I will reflect on my past, present, and future roles, considering my financial, emotional, and physical needs. I will take necessary actions to achieve my goals and work diligently to make my family happy. Helping and forgiving others are crucial to a successful life as they bring inner joy. I aim to assist the less fortunate and contribute something meaningful to my country, which would make me happy and proud. Maintaining my integrity and dignity while living a fulfilling life is important. I understand my life’s purpose and how to achieve a good and peaceful existence.

PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 1 Ethics, Happiness, and the Good Life

Socrates believed that a happy life was not materialistic but focused on one’s thoughts. He suggested that individuals with healthy minds, rather than wealth, tend to lead fulfilling lives. If asked about the good life, I would say it involves leading a moral life, finding genuine meaning, and fulfilling all needs, not just those for pleasure but also for a higher cause. The concept of a good life varies from person to person and can change for an individual over time. My understanding of the good life has evolved since the beginning of the course. Initially, I defined it as “being successful and happy in what you achieve,” but I did not clarify what success means. After reading Plato’s journal entry stating, “A good life involves living in harmony with one’s inner nature and understanding the true nature of reality. To do this, one must overcome negative emotions such as anger and greed and embrace truth and knowledge” (Plato), I realized that this aligns with my belief about living a good and happy life.

Rupert Read (2007) suggests that philosophy is more than critical self-reflection and can significantly contribute to humanity’s survival and progress. A good life is rationally sought by most people. However, happiness is not always linked to wealth, possessions, and prosperity. Some people with seemingly perfect lives are still deeply unhappy. In modern societies, particularly capitalist ones, happiness is often associated with material wealth. The pursuit of happiness is sometimes seen as a vague concept because people cannot predict what will make them happy. It is more productive to focus on genuine wants and needs rather than equating happiness with material wealth. Why does it seem that a poor person is less happy than a rich person? Many argue it is because the poor cannot fulfill all their desires. The question arises: why would they want anything that money can buy?

If personal aspirations define the ideal life, it makes sense that many wonderful lifestyles exist, and desires vary among individuals (Landau, 2012). Everyone deserves and should desire to live a good life.

Conclusion

Examining what constitutes a good life involves ensuring positive stability in all aspects of life. Financial stability supports a healthy and secure lifestyle. Plato said, “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being.” The concept of the “good life” entails success through perseverance, achieving goals, and maintaining balance. Serenity arises from contentment, balance leads to harmony, and reason supports stability. Living the “good life” in its truest form requires all these elements. By appreciating what is currently available, we can understand and live the good life.

References:

Landau, R. S. (2012). The Good Life. In Exploring the Good Life. Oxford University Press.

Oppong, T. (2022, July 19). Plato on Living the Good Life. Medium.