Debates
- Features
- Topics
  Upcoming debates
- Close ✕
  - The Pursuit of…
    
    Happiness is a complex emotion and mental state, one that has been pondered since the times of the Ancient Greeks. Many have wondered what it means to be happy and to achieve happiness through either virtue or pleasure. Is it for the good of the individual or the benefit of society? Those who believe virtue is the key to happiness argue that it is important for the well-being of both the individual and society, as touted by the Founding Fathers and the Stoics and inspired by Jeffrey Rosen's book "The Pursuit of Happiness", as one should strive for a life of moral virtue and rationality. Those who believe pleasure is the key to happiness see it as the maximization of pleasure and the minimization of pain. Quoting philosophers such as Epicurus and John Stuart Mill and touting Roger Crisp's "Reason and the Good", they also argue that everyone should have the liberty to define their sources of happiness and seek them as they see fit. With this background in mind, we debate the question: The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?
    
    Friday, May 17, 2024
Insights
About
- - Become a Member
  - Newsletter
- Close ✕
  
  SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE
  
  Help us bring debate to communities and classrooms across the nation.
  Donate
Header Bottom
- Become a member Newsletter Donate

Become a member Donate

Circles in the Sand

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

By Kenneth Pollack

Bret Stephens July 22, 2008

Link to Article
Article source: Wall Street Journal

Upcoming Debates

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

With Roger Crisp, Jeffrey Rosen

10:00 AM | Friday, May 17, 2024

Happiness is a complex emotion and mental state, one that has been pondered since the times of the Ancient Greeks. Many have wondered what it means to be happy and to achieve happiness through either virtue or pleasure. Is it for the good of the individual or the benefit of society? Those who believe virtue is the key to happiness argue that it is important for the well-being of both the individual and society, as touted by the Founding Fathers…

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

With Roger Crisp, Jeffrey Rosen

10:00 AM | Friday, May 17, 2024

DEBATE COMMUNITY

Join a community of social and intellectual leaders that truly value the free exchange of ideas.

BECOME A MEMBER

EDUCATIONAL BRIEFS

Readings on our weekly debates, debater editorials, and news on issues that affect our everyday lives.

NEWSLETTER

SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE

Help us bring debate to communities and classrooms across the nation.

DONATE

Features

Topics

Upcoming debates

SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE

Circles in the Sand

Upcoming Debates

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

DEBATE COMMUNITY

EDUCATIONAL BRIEFS

SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE

Be Curious. Be Open-Minded. Be Open to Debate.