Ethics Summary

Julian Baggini’s extract from �What’s it all about’ explores the precarious nature of the elusive state of happiness, and the pursuit of it. Baggini contends that ultimately, as humans it is natural, and acceptable to desire happiness. Yet we must ensure that the pursuit of happiness does not become a dominating force in our lives, because it will ultimately be at the detriment to the very thing we are seeking, happiness. As C. Snow revealed, �if you pursue happiness, you’ll never find it.’

The author presents possible alternative ways in which happiness may be attained, maybe it should not be sought directly, perhaps instead we should attempt to resolve what is unjust in the world, adopt a policy of �do no harm’ and try to live a virtuous life and happiness will naturally follow.

Baggini reveals the desire individuals have to acquire happiness is not supreme, we still aspire to achieve it through authentic means, scenarios like Aldous Huxley’s Brave New world with its citizens drugged into a state of euphoria, or Nozick’s concept of a thought machine, simulating an idyllic existence, are abhorrent to most. This reveals that we don’t place happiness above our desire to live an authentic, truthful life.

The article alludes to the elusive enigmatic nature of happiness, which cannot be defined or achieved by a simple recipe comprising of wealth or material goods despite the images the media perpetuates as necessary to create an idyllic existence. Interestingly, wealth is not a precursor for happiness, obviously one must enjoy a reasonable standard of living to allow for the possibility of happiness, and instead there are higher instances of depression associated with the increase in wealth. This reveals, ultimately other factors determine one’s happiness, like luck and an individual’s temperament, how upbeat we are in the face of life’s difficulties.

Baggini concludes happiness cannot be an eternal presence in our lives, & attempting to make it such, would be at the very cost of ever achieving happiness.