Theories

I find different portions of each of the three theories appealing. While, I do enjoy the expansiveness of the Objective List Theory, which would appear to cover the other two theories—thus making it seem the clear winner in regards to being the best theory or having the most intrinsic value. I am troubled by the paternalism objection to this theory. I wonder what Utilitarians who believe firmly in the Objective List Theory would think about the quality of wellbeing of a person unable or unwilling to strive for the things on the list. Would your life be lacking if you were missing out on knowledge, achievement, or beauty? What if an individual was sick or had a disability and could not strive for things that would be on the typical list. What if an individual was happiest being solitary and human interaction made them uncomfortable therefore messing with their mental states? Also, what would the Utilitarian say to a person when the things on one’s list are in conflict with one another?

Obviously, I understand the objection to my questions would be that the list is “Objective,” which means everyone makes up their own. So, maybe there isn’t one list and I can appreciate the subjectivity, but I still worry that making lists can fool people into thinking they need all of the things on their list to be happy or have wellbeing.

I think I would like to look at these theories all as equally applicable. Some days I feel as if I am only concerned with mental states and other days I’m more interested in desires. Then I think about the other things in my life that provide happiness and warm fuzzies and I would lean to perhaps making a list. I also think this varies by person. These three theories exist because they all still resonate with people.

However, an objection to the view of accepting all theories would be to question whether we potentially as humans could even accept multiple theories at the same time. Could we ever appreciate not having a theory to describe happiness or the ultimate good? We are also a species immersed in the obsession for the quest of knowledge or maybe the fear of the unknown. These can be added to the Objective List Theory.  

My subjective rejoinder is that while I see why the Objective List Theory would seem superior, and I’m presenting a very relativist perspective, which is not always beneficial, I am ultimately not comfortable with a list theory even an objective one. Along with relative my view directly opposes the point of philosophy in general. However, I maintain that there is beauty in being happy or seeing the good in life and perhaps not questioning where it’s coming from or why you’re feeling it. Maybe I’m just not a very good philosopher, and I talk myself in circles. I clearly have lots to learn.