Paradox of Happiness

Abstract

The paradox of happiness is the puzzling but apparently inescapable fact that regarding happiness as the sole ultimately valuable end or objective, and acting accordingly, often results in less happiness than results from regarding other goods as ultimately valuable (and acting accordingly). That is, in many circumstances, happiness is more effectively achieved when other objectives are regarded as worth pursuing for their own sakes than when happiness alone is regarded as worth pursuing for its own sake ( see Happiness; Hedonism; Intrinsic Value). These other objectives might be regarded as ultimately valuable instead of happiness, or merely in addition to happiness; but they must be valued for their own sakes, and not merely as means to the achievement of happiness. These other objectives may include loving family relationships and friendships, meaningful professional relationships, immersion in rewarding work, the exercise of skills and abilities, accomplishments and triumphs, participation in religion or a large cause or movement, and contributions to one's culture or nation.

Explaining the Paradox of Hedonism

“…The other prominent account claims that, for most people, happiness might depend on acquiring certain particular kinds of goods which hedonists are unable to have [Eggleston 2013]. We can call this the special goods account.…”

“…If the paradox does arise either from our weaknesses or merely neutral accidents of our psychology, this would be significant. As Eggleston [2013] writes, it may be tempting to see the paradox as a problem for hedonistic ethical theories, such as hedonistic versions of egoism or utilitarianism. After all, the paradox implies that these theories are, in a potentially troubling way, self-defeating: if we all uniquely desire the goal that these theories propose, we will do worse at achieving it.…”

“…Other such philosophers includeSober [1992: 97], who, in his commentary on Butler, defines hedonism as a species of egoism, andSetiya [2014: 4], who describes Mill as discussing 'the paradox of egoism'.8 However, not all special-goods accounts focus on these sorts of goods: for example,Eggleston [2013] mentions rewarding work as another possible privileged source of pleasure.…”