Happiness as Defined by Morality

Annas (1995) in her journal “The Morality of Happiness”, stated that when one is happy,
one feels good and at peace with himself as well as with other members of the society.” From a
scientific standpoint, humans are social beings who greatly considered what other people in their
tribe think or feel about them. One of the purposes of ethics, on the other hand, aside from
discerning what is right or wrong, is to make other people as comfortable as possible when we
interact with them. As such, when we go against ethical standards subconsciously or consciously
imposed on us and abused our freedom which can lead us to inflict discomfort and, worst, pain
on others, we are also going against the nature of human happiness – both from a scientific and
ethical standpoint. So how can one be happy knowing that he has violated, in any way possible,
other beings?
“There exists a positive relationship between morality and happiness (Happiness and
Morality - 1828 Words | Essay Example, 2019)”. Supported by this statement, we can say that
joy cannot be achieved through the guilt of causing harm or discomfort to other people. It does
not clash with one’s values. People with a high sense of morality are never happy when they
know they caused others’ misery in exchange for their own sole happiness.
(pili ka na lang dito sa examples by nyahahaha)
Suppose, your parents do not want your boyfriend. They are upset and uncomfortable
with the idea of him marrying you in the future. They think that you deserve someone way
better. He was your home and happiness but you know that making your parents upset is
something that goes against your morality since you value and respect them as they are. Things
can get twisted and complex when happiness and morality tend to go against each other. At the
end of the day, only you can decide how high you will hold morals in exchange for happiness or
the other way around.
Suppose, you and your friend are making fun with this one person who seems weak to
defend himself. You are laughing alongside your friends as you mock and tease another being.
You have a sense of dominance and connection with your friends who are laughing at the same
thing as you. It was a happy experience, as you thought of it. But if you truly think about it, does
this act really do bring happiness as defined by morality?
References:
Annas, J. (1995, August 3). The Morality of Happiness. Oxford Scholarship Online.

https://doi.org/10.1093/0195096525.001.0001

Happiness and Morality - 1828 Words | Essay Example. (2019, October 8). Free Essays.

https://ivypanda.com/essays/happiness-and-morality/