Happiness

                Throughout this week we have discussed the metaphysics of morals and the problematic complications that arise from it. Kant writes in great detail of duty, will, autonomy, universal truth, and the like in order to build upon and establish a true and indisputable idea of morality. Visited in this discourse, it the idea of happiness. While it may be impossible to definitively define happiness, it is absolutely essential to survival. The pursuit of happiness is a hypothetical imperative that effects the actions of every rational being. 

                However, the concept becomes muddled when viewed in relation to its means. If one is to view happiness as the pursuit of pleasure, the idea would simply crumble. Pleasure cannot be universal, as it is subjective. To pull from an example from class, Paul may enjoy being tied up, but this is most certainly not a universal preference.  In effect, if the inclination did not exist, the object would completely lose its value.

                Therefore, happiness must be indefinite. It exists as an end in and of itself and is relevant to all rational beings. But how does one achieve it? All beings desire happiness, but it is difficult to ascertain what it is or what one must do in order to obtain it. Any action towards happiness that we can conceive will inevitably be empirical, which causes an infinite slew of problems to branch off of what was originally intended as a solution. For example, even if one obtains a great achievement, this achievement cannot sustain him indefinitely. This end only gives rise to new desires and brings about further complications such as envy or vulnerability. And then there is the case of immortality, one may have everlasting life but not youth. Loved ones all pass away after a brief amount of time, creating a vacuum of lonesomeness that no finite being can fill. However, could one argue that since an immortal being’s life has no end the same metaphysical rules do not apply to him?  In the end, can rational beings simply not obtain ultimate happiness? It seems like the best we can do is to simply promote our own wellbeing until we reach our respective ends.