Answered Conundrum Next Conundrum
Is being happy a fundamental Human right?
Interesting Question? Yes (2) No (0)- In Belief and Thought |
- |
- Report |
-
Share
RSS
Best Answer Chosen by Asker
Marked as Best!
October 10, 2009 07:00 PM
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
I wouldn't go so far to say that BEING happy, per se, a fundamental human right. Happiness isn't always in people's control. Everyone says that you have to make yourself happy, etc., but really, it doesn't work that way.
But I'd say that the PURSUIT of happiness is a fundamental human right. People may not end up happy, but it's their right to do all they can (without infringing on others' rights, of course, so no murder, theft, etc.) to be content. And a number of philosophers agree with this -- one of the most commonly cited lists of human rights, after all, includes "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
But I'd say that the PURSUIT of happiness is a fundamental human right. People may not end up happy, but it's their right to do all they can (without infringing on others' rights, of course, so no murder, theft, etc.) to be content. And a number of philosophers agree with this -- one of the most commonly cited lists of human rights, after all, includes "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
| Asker's Rating: |
• I agree... Being happy isn't a right. The chance to engage in the pursuit of happiness is.
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
Other Answers (7)
October 11, 2009 02:57 AM
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Yes being happy, having freedom, the opportunity to earn an honest living are some of the fundamental human right. To sum it up, anything that uplift the dignity of a person is a fundamental right of human. Be happy is one of them. 
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 11, 2009 04:40 AM
http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/ Helpful Answer? (1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Considering we as humans enter into a social contract of sorts by living in a society and respecting it's rules and laws, I would have to say that being happy is a fundemental human right, or at least, we as people believe that it is. It is a right in so far as your happiness does not infringe upon the social contract that you are living in. Socail contracts are made to help ensure that all people can effectively live together in some sembelance. For more on social contract theory chek out this link.
http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/
Source(s):
http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/
http://www.iep.utm.edu/soc-cont/ Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 11, 2009 05:01 AM
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
That depends on what your definition of happy is. For example, if your idea of a good time is murder, you probably aren't going to have much of a case in the courts by saying that it made you happy, and being happy is a fundamental right. On the other hand, it has never been easy for mankind, we have had to persevere through alot. Being happy, in our histories isn't exactly a top priority. However, if your version of happiness includes hardships, then yes, I suppose it is a fundamental right. The answer, to this question, like so many out there, rests in your own perspective.
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 11, 2009 09:27 AM
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
If the neuropsychologists and philosophers of science can ever figure out a way to quantify happiness, then people will probably try to make it a right, but until it's figured out how to describe happiness in quantifiable terms... no... it will not be declared a "right".
Rather, it will be defined in terms of process, or in terms of it being a procedural objective, so what will be insconed as a "right" will be those processes and procedures.
In other words, you won't be given the right to be happy, but you'll be guaranteed the right to try.
Helpful Answer?
Rather, it will be defined in terms of process, or in terms of it being a procedural objective, so what will be insconed as a "right" will be those processes and procedures.
In other words, you won't be given the right to be happy, but you'll be guaranteed the right to try.
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 11, 2009 05:09 PM
personal experience Helpful Answer? (1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
*Being* happy isn't a matter of rights. Nobody needs persmission to be happy, and no legislation can forbid it. Being able to pursue happiness is another matter. It's affected by your temperament, by your position in life, by what others demand of you, and even by the law. But neither being happy nor pursing happiness is a *right."
Source(s):
personal experience Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 12, 2009 01:27 AM
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Being happy is a choice that each person makes for him or herself. It is usually possible to decide to be happy with what we have, rather than going after stuff that is hard to get.
This is assuming that we are free to make choices. Freedom is the fundamental human right. What we make of our freedom is each individual's responsibility.
Helpful Answer?
This is assuming that we are free to make choices. Freedom is the fundamental human right. What we make of our freedom is each individual's responsibility.
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 12, 2009 03:07 AM
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Happiness is not comming from out side, It must be individually acquired by constant practice. when you become thoughtless stage you will be in Neutral .Now you are in correct judgement stage ,whether it is right or wrong, what are the actions provide happiness to him...
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
Answer this Question
View All Belief and Thought QuestionsAsk a Conundrum
Please visit these retailers to purchase Conundrum or find the wine at these fine restaurants:
-
1991 St Helena Hwy
-
699 St Helena Hwy
-
1115 Main St
-
1321 Main St
- Twitter currently unavailable