Happiness vs Reason
Should happiness or reason be the basis for an ethical theory? Should happiness or reason be the basis for an ethical theory? Before I can answer that question one must first define both happiness and reason. Webster’s new collegiate dictionary 1977 copyright defines happiness as the good fortune; a state of well being and contentment; a pleasurable satisfaction. Reason is defined as a statement offered in explanation or justification. Based on both definitions I would have to say that reason more than happiness would have to be a better basis for an ethical theory. I say reason because happiness offers objections that I can not over look or understand. First the idea that an ethical theory should be basis on happiness is ignorant and observed. ... Which John Mill states as an action is right in proportion to the happiness produced, and wrong in proportion to the reverse of happiness produced.