Happiness

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Abstract

The Dalai Lama has said: “the purpose of life is to seek happiness.” First, a biblical view of happiness is presented. Second, a brief description of the philosophical stances: Hedonism, Eudaimonia, Utilitarianism and Tibetan Buddhism. Third, the Positve Psychology of Martin Seligman, where happiness is seen as an outcome of the morally good life. In contrast, the efforts of C. S. Lewis to discover general moral laws are displayed. Similarly those of Wallace, Havel and Hill to discover a limited values consensus. The Seligman project is noble, but somewhat hasty and superficial in its current statement. Happiness is a by-product emerging in pursuit of an ultimately worthwhile goal.