What is a good life?

invicta April 02, 2023 at 23:44 3450 views 10 comments
At the heart of philosophy is the question of how one should live their lives.

This question though sometimes eludes or worse is not even asked by the individual in their society.

The philosophers job then is to guide, issuing principles sometimes enforced by law so as to deter anti social behaviour such as looting, theft, and every crime in between up to and including murder.

I think it’s a matter of conduct for every citizen to walk upright with a clear conscience or being conscientious. This means not infringing the rights of others which could lead to conflicts either petty between neighbours or nation states e.g Russia v Ukraine.

Do any philosophers here have more input on what makes a good life worth living for and worth dying for ?

Comments (10)

180 Proof April 03, 2023 at 06:34 #795066
In sum: reflective & moral courage (i.e. lucid Sisyphusian/Promethean defiance) constitutes the good life.

:death: :flower:
invicta April 03, 2023 at 15:34 #795216
:up:
Vera Mont April 05, 2023 at 19:50 #796183
Quoting invicta
The philosophers job then is to guide, issuing principles


based on a close observation and analysis of how society works, what elements are required to its working to the benefit of its members and what circumstances render a society dysfunctional. Religion lays down precepts and rules; philosophy makes sense of the need for precepts and rules.
Sir2u April 05, 2023 at 20:07 #796193
Quoting invicta
Do any philosophers here have more input on what makes a good life worth living for and worth dying for ?


Having what you need, when you need it.
Having someone to love, that loves you.
To let others live their lives while they do the same for you.

And enough beer to makes things seem better when the first three are not working out right.
Vera Mont April 05, 2023 at 20:18 #796199
As laid out in the sanest of philosophical systems:
In moral philosophy, the Epicureans argued that the avoidance of pain, inflicting it and experiencing it, and the enjoyment of harmless pleasures ought to guide human ‘choice and avoidance.’ Unlike the Stoics, they did not suppose that the human mind has unlimited power over the body; insofar as we are fully material beings, we act and suffer as one psycho-physical unity. They cautioned against excess, pointing out that that while eating, drinking, and sex are pleasurable and so to be enjoyed, moderation is called for. Overindulgence or imprudent choice brings on all manner of vexation, pain, social punishment, and remorse.

He believed that there were 3 ingredients to happiness. Friends, Freedom, and an Analyzed life. He also believed that we needed to be self sufficient in our lives to procure happiness
180 Proof April 05, 2023 at 22:38 #796230
Reply to Vera Mont Reply to Vera Mont :fire:
invicta April 08, 2023 at 07:00 #797120
Reply to Vera Mont

Very well said.
Tom Storm April 10, 2023 at 02:08 #797736
Quoting invicta
Do any philosophers here have more input on what makes a good life worth living for and worth dying for ?


I saw a t-shirt with a likeness of the Buddha on it. Underneath it said, 'Try not to be a cunt: The Buddha.' I think that's about as profound as I can get. I'm not a fan of system building or theory and I consider life to be without a fixed meaning, but since I know the experience of suffering and I seem hardwired (like most humans) for eusociality/empathy, I take a position that we ought to end or minimise suffering. Not being a cunt is a good first step.
180 Proof April 10, 2023 at 02:49 #797743
Quoting Tom Storm
I take a position that we ought to end or minimise suffering. Not being a cunt is a good first step.

:up: :up:

Quoting 180 Proof
What's my philosophy?" Don't be a fool (or an asshole) ...


Tom Storm April 10, 2023 at 02:51 #797744
Reply to 180 Proof Comrade, you helped to remind me of this. :wink: