For centuries, humanity has dug and searched for the answer to a simple question: what is happiness? You might think, after all this time, that humans have this perfect definition. After generations and generations of research, we should surely have an answer by now: a calculated algorithm, a simple step-by-step process that we can look at and say, “this is the path to true happiness. Unfortunately this is not the case. Philosophers still ponder and disagree about where genuine and lasting happiness can be found. Two main theories that try to address this problem are stoicism and skepticism. While stoicism has value, true lasting happiness is more attainable through the practice of skepticism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Skepticism proves to be more realistic than Stoicism, explains the difference of opinions across humanity, and allows its followers to experience emotions more fully. Stoicism is a school of philosophy explained in the “Handbook of Epictetus”. Stoicism is a way of looking at life, based on the idea that happiness is found through freedom from suffering. According to Epictetus it is possible to free ourselves from suffering by dividing reality into two parts: the things that can be controlled and the things that cannot be controlled. The things I can control are only those that belong completely to myself, things like my thoughts, desires and emotions. Everything else in the world does not belong to me and therefore cannot be controlled. According to the Stoics, if it is not mine, then it is God's, and God will act and make judgments as He sees fit. “Never say of anything: 'I lost it,' but instead: 'I gave it back.' «... What worries you about the way the donor asked for it back? As long as he gives it to you, take care of it as something that is not yours.” Stoicism challenges its followers to view their worldly possessions and possessions as gifts that they are borrowing. If I know that the gift is not for me to keep, then I will be able to accept when it is taken from me. This acceptance and indifference towards the outside world will lead to complete freedom from all suffering. By taking control of my thoughts and desires and aligning them with nature, I will never be upset, angry, or disappointed by what happens to me, because I understand that those things are out of my control. According to Stoic ideals, suffering occurs when one's thoughts clash with nature. If I am able to closely follow these ideals, the Stoics claim that I will live a life of perfect peace and serenity. Skepticism is another school of philosophy explored by Hume in his essay “The Skeptic. Hume argues that too many philosophers try to find an underlying principle of all things and argues that nature is too diverse to be classified within one characteristic. Skepticism is based on the idea that there are no intrinsic values. “No object is, in itself, desirable or hateful, precious or despicable, but objects acquire these qualities from the particular character and constitution of the mind which observes them.” The values in any object are not intrinsic to the object itself, but rather are the projected feelings of people. These values are subjective and relative to each person, because what one person may like may be strongly disliked by another. Skeptics believe that life is heavily controlled by luck. A person is randomly given a life and a set of characteristics, and from that moment their life will unfold based on the life they have. The greatest fortune goes to those who are virtuous, when doing good things comes naturally to them. Accept that value is relative and thatbeauty is in the eye of the beholder is what skeptics claim will lead to true happiness in life. Skepticism assigns the different opinions, beliefs, and experiences of all people in a more absolute way than stoicism. Skepticism is based on the great diversity of the world and humanity is one of the most diverse things within it. The music I love and think is great sounds like nails on a chalkboard to one of my peers. The mouth-watering delicacies in Kuwait don't sound appetizing at all to me. Skepticism embraces the fact that there are no absolute values in the world. Even powerful things like good and evil are relative to the perceiver. Things perceived by the general public as horrendous and evil are not so for everyone. For Hitler, he was implementing a plan necessary to come to power. For members of Al Qaeda, they are waging a righteous war against the enemies of their God. In the modern world, there are countless theories, beliefs and opinions. The reality of the world is that abstract concepts like good, evil, beauty, and hate are not inherent, and we project values onto concepts and things as we see fit. Accepting this notion makes it more inclusive and therefore a better path to happiness. Skepticism embraces this notion, and its inclusiveness of all humanity makes it more appropriate in the modern world. Furthermore, skepticism promotes the idea of withholding faith until there is adequate evidence. Where Stoicism teaches acceptance and ease, skepticism says one should embrace desire and emotion, but only after careful examination. Hume criticizes the Stoics for being too eager to find an underlying principle of all things and argues that nature is too diverse. Skepticism looks at the world and recognizes that while everyone sees an object differently, it is important to see the object for what it really is and not get confused by the perceptions of others. In my psychology class we are currently studying the concept of reason and thinking. Something we have discussed at length is the idea of pre-reflective thinking and how it is harmful to society. Pre-reflective thinking comes from people who don't look for evidence to support their beliefs; they do not distinguish their thoughts from knowledge and assumption. This unfavorable mentality seems to be what Hume warns his readers against in “The Skeptic. "When a philosopher has seized upon a favorite principle, which perhaps explains many natural effects, he extends the same principle to all creation and reduces every phenomenon to it, though by the most violent and absurd reasoning." These philosophers have fallen victim to pre-reflective thinking and mistakenly assume that aspects of the world fit their principle, when this is not true. The opposite of pre-reflective thinking is reflective thinking. Reflective thinking comes when a person is able to distinguish opinion from judgment and can consider evidence from various sources. This reflective thinking is the epitome of skepticism. Skeptics urge their followers to consider all possible options and to recognize that judgment is subjective to the perceiver. This reflective thought shows how questioning the world around can actually lead a person to true happiness. When a person is selective in their judgment and examines an idea before accepting it, they will naturally become more attuned to the world and be able to distinguish subjective value from objective principles. This ability to discern fact from belief puts a person on the path to lasting happiness and success. One of the pitfalls of Stoicism is that it is quite unattainable for the ordinary citizen. Stoicism sets the bar extremely high: one.
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