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Pursuit of Happines

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Pursuit of Happines

by abhirup1711 » Wed Jan 23, 2013 2:51 pm
17. Philosopher: The rational pursuit of happiness is quite different from always doing what one most strongly desires to do. This is because the rational pursuit of happiness must include consideration of long-term consequences, whereas our desires are usually focused on the short term. Moreover, desires are sometimes compulsions, and while ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness when their goals are attained, compulsions strongly drive a person to pursue goals that offer no happiness even when reached.

If all of the philosopher's statements are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT:
(A) the majority of people do not have compulsions.
(B) Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.
(C) Most people do not pursue happiness rationally.
(D) Most people want more than their own personal happiness.
(E) All actions have long-term consequences.

Please help. Experts??
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by brianlange77 » Wed Jan 23, 2013 7:20 pm
abhirup1711 wrote:17. Philosopher: The rational pursuit of happiness is quite different from always doing what one most strongly desires to do. This is because the rational pursuit of happiness must include consideration of long-term consequences, whereas our desires are usually focused on the short term. Moreover, desires are sometimes compulsions, and while ordinary desires result in at least momentary happiness when their goals are attained, compulsions strongly drive a person to pursue goals that offer no happiness even when reached.

If all of the philosopher's statements are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT:
(A) the majority of people do not have compulsions.
(B) Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.
(C) Most people do not pursue happiness rationally.
(D) Most people want more than their own personal happiness.
(E) All actions have long-term consequences.

Please help. Experts??
Interesting question -- I think we're looking at "B" here in this example. Why? The key is in that last sentence of the passage, which tells us that desires are sometimes compulsions and compulsions result in no happiness. So, if that's true, how can 'the goal of any desire result in momentary happiness' if the passage just told us that compulsions do not result in happiness.

Thoughts?

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by Ugo2602 » Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:43 am
Can you please post the OA?

Thank you.
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by Gaurav 2013-fall » Fri Jun 21, 2013 1:43 am
It has to be B

good one!
Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that! (Rocky VI)
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