Away from the Algorithm

A Google Logo

So I wanted to check something on this blog, but I am not at my home computer.  I didn't realize that the ease with which my typing "happy ethical human" in the search box would return the link to my blog is actually thanks to some algorithm that tracks what I search for and how often I search for a particular term and not because "happy ethical human" is an easily found term on the internet.  Indeed, it is not.  So, instead of a link to my blog, Google search (which was not even in AI mode when I hit the return key), just returned the following results (which I share out of interest for the thoughts now provoked).  

A "happy ethical human" is an individual whose subjective well-being and life satisfaction are enhanced by living an ethical life, which often involves pursuing meaningful activities, developing virtues, and acting with integrity. Research suggests a reciprocal relationship: ethical proclivities tend to increase happiness, and greater happiness can foster more positive ethical judgments and cooperative social behaviors. While happiness isn't a sole guarantee of a good life, and unethical behavior can lead to negative outcomes, modern positive psychology and traditional philosophy explore how the pursuit of a good and meaningful life often involves both happiness and ethical conduct.

The Reciprocal Relationship

Ethics -> Happiness:.

A key finding is that ethical behavior can increase happiness and well-being. Engaging in meaningful activities, developing virtues like honesty and compassion, and acting with purpose contribute to a richer, more fulfilling life.

Happiness -> Ethics:.

Conversely, a state of happiness can make individuals more ethical. People who are happy tend to be more social, cooperative, and more likely to make improved ethical judgments.

The Nature of "Ethical" and "Happy"

Ethical actions:.

This includes adhering to standards of right and wrong, practicing virtues like honesty and empathy, and recognizing the importance of the common good.

Happy living:.

Beyond fleeting pleasure, happiness is linked to concepts like human flourishing and subjective well-being. It involves living a life of meaning, engagement, and purpose.

Balancing Personal Happiness and Selfishness

A crucial distinction is made between genuine happiness and pure hedonism or selfishness.

Giving excessive attention to one's own happiness at the expense of others can be considered unethical.

The goal is to pursue happiness in a way that doesn't lead to self-centeredness but rather to a more flourishing and ethically engaged life.

Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives

Ancient Philosophy:.

Thinkers like Aristotle focused on achieving eudaimonia, a concept of human flourishing and living a good life through virtue, rather than just pleasure.

Modern Philosophy:.

While some modern views link happiness to subjective satisfaction, traditional ethics emphasizes an objective, common good that individuals strive for together.

Positive Psychology:.

This field studies human flourishing and well-being, exploring how happiness, meaning, and ethical behavior intertwine.

As it happens, I don't think this AI-generated comment on the juxtaposition of "happy" and "ethical" is too far off the mark.  While it doesn't emphasize the "human" part of the blog title, the ideas of community and reciprocity do point to our humanity.  One thing that I appreciate as a nuance to this LLM attempt to embrace ethics is the recognition of the problem of selfishness.  As humans, we have needs as well as desires, which can, from time to time, get in the way of ethical choices even without the distorting lenses of our perceptions and biases.

That being said, I think I like this definition:

A "happy ethical human" is an individual whose subjective well-being and life satisfaction are enhanced by living an ethical life, which often involves pursuing meaningful activities, developing virtues, and acting with integrity. 

 I can but try.