The Pursuit of Happiness

1) Is it possible to be happy? Why?          

               When it comes to the question of the possibility of happiness, I think to myself, what is happiness? Sigmund Freud also contemplated this question in one of his most famous books, “Civilization and its Discontents”. Freud did not come to a definite conclusion, but he did contrast some very significant arguments.

                In order to find a true definition of happiness, first human nature must be defined. Freud described human nature as universal, filled with instinctive drives. These instinctive drives lead to the fulfillment that constitutes happiness in the most basic of forms. After Freud described the basic form of human nature, he went on to argue the constitutions of happiness.

                Freud did not believe that happiness was a value, but rather the result of avoidance of pain, then the achievement of pleasure. Freud believed that these actions were part of the human psyche and were natural instincts. Freud discusses that humans are essentially pursuing this happiness because it is an ancient and inevitable instinct for humans to seek happiness.

                However, humans have found themselves stuck in societies that supply a false consciousness. As humans have strived for happiness and self-satisfaction in the past, they have entered a society that finds suitable replacements for these basic, instinctual needs. Societies have given individuals the ability to purchase materialistic goods and ideologies that promote individualism and self-pride. Goods such as clothing, housing and delicious food help distract individuals from their basic needs. The health care system and protection by society also give the individuals a sense of unnatural happiness.

                In conclusion, I have considered both sides to whether happiness can be achieved or not. My thoughts have come to an indefinite conclusion, much like Sigmund Freud’s arguments. I have found that happiness is possible to be achieved in today’s society, and the level of happiness has been increasing as our society develops. I have also found that this happiness that has been achieved in society is not true happiness which human nature strives for. Society has created a false image of happiness that has distracted the majority of individuals from their basic instincts. I believe that it is up to the individual to define what true happiness is for themselves, whether it is created by society or accomplished by instinctual, basic nature.

Work Cited: Sigmund Freud, “Civilization and its Discontents”

A Just Prosecution

1. Do you think these charges are legitimate? Is this a fair trial?

Religion has always been a foundation to society, and it has worked its way into the judiciary system as well. Religion is what teaching and working was revolved around, and to question or speak against the gods would be to speak against the fundamentals of society itself. In Plato’s Euthyphro and Apology, Socrates is charged for not recognizing the gods of the state, creating new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens. These charges are an accurate illustration of the judicial system and society in ancient Greece.

Socrates is without a doubt, smart, well rounded, and intellectual. One of Socrates’ charges was for inventing and creating new gods. Gods were a very large part of ancient Greek life. The Greek people along with many other ancient societies revolved their lives around their beliefs in the gods. Religion not only a large influence on the people, but also in the judiciary system. It appears to be that Socrates created his new gods because he felt that he was wise enough to do so, but he was unsuccessful due to the bias of the people in the court and the laws incorporated with religion.

Another one of Socrates’ charges was for corrupting the youth. This charge is also a very significant charge because he is corrupting the leaders of the future. Ancient societies were fundamentally based on the upbringing and teachings of religion and order. What the children are learning in the early stages of their lives, helps mould their futures and the person that they are to become. Socrates’ undermines the rules of society by the teaching of false gods. This action does not make him “wise” or more powerful than anyone else, it is an unjust offense that threatens the foundations and of society and religion.

Socrates’ final offence of inventing new gods is an offense that is most likely, not going to be accepted by the judiciary system. The courts are filled with religious men that have been raised to believe in the gods that were taught by society. Socrates’ creation of new gods is offensive towards the other gods because it is making a mockery of the system that is in place.  This offense could be the most offensive of the three, and although Socrates believes that he is making a point that he is “wise”, he mistake’s his authority and power, and only makes himself seem ludicrous and threatening.

Socrates’ naïve opinion is the reason that he is being prosecuted. His charges of not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens are all appropriate and just. All of his charges are a result of Socrates’ arrogance and ego, and it is for these reasons that the court sentenced Socrates to death.

Work Cited: Plato, " Euthyphro, Apology, Crito"