CPHI101 Essay: Philosophical Argument on Happiness and Morality

This essay presents a philosophical argument regarding the relationship between happiness and morality, drawing upon a contemporary issue of human trafficking. The author explores the views of Socrates and Epicurus to analyze the nature of true happiness, arguing that material wealth is not a source of genuine contentment. The essay examines the actions of human traffickers, highlighting the immorality of their actions and the fleeting nature of the happiness derived from accumulating wealth. It contrasts this with the pursuit of morality as a path to lasting happiness, forming premises to support the argument that actions aimed solely at material gain cannot bring about true happiness. The essay fulfills the requirements of a CPHI101 assignment, including MLA format, primary and secondary sources, and a focus on argumentation.

Running head: PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENT
Philosophical Argument
Student’s name
University
Author’s note

PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENT
In the light of the discussion on the philosophical value of the relation between happiness
and morality, it is obvious that all the thinkers, especially the ones mentioned here in this essay,
hold that true happiness has little relation with material wealth. In this regard, it is essential to
analyze the nature of true happiness. Human beings usually consider momentary achievements
as the source of their happiness. They believe by getting all the desired things or by avoiding
undesired or perilous things will bring them joy and happiness. It is nevertheless true for all of us
to some extent. Whenever we experience that everything in our live is running perfectly, we
consider ourselves as happy. But that is not the case, for at any moment, something unforeseen
may occur, which can potentially disrupt our mental peace and happiness. Thus, avoidance of the
undesired can never bring us true happiness. It is also understandable that human desire is never
satisfied with the fulfillment of basic necessities. Therefore, they always strive for more. They
try to achieve fame, power and money and believe once they attain them, they will attain
happiness. However, the quest for wealth and happiness continues even after we achieve what
we desire, as there is no limit of accumulating wealth or achieving power and fame. There will
still be some void to be fulfilled, which may lead us to feel unhappy and discontent. Therefore, it
is obvious that none of these can give us true happiness, as they are only momentary. True
happiness, on the other hand, is a matter of lifetime, which will persist through the entire course
of life.
This approach towards happiness is also supported by the views of the great thinking minds as
we have already discussed in this essay. According to Socrates, happiness is a state of complete
contentment of the soul. Therefore, in order to be happy in its true sense, people should focus
more on their souls than material wealth. He believes that developing a moral character is
essential for human beings to pursue happiness. If we do not consider what is wrong or what is

PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENT
right in the course of our actions, we may never achieve a moral character that can lead us to the
purgation of the soul and give us complete contentment. Epicurus too argues in favour of
controlling the material desires in order to pursue true happiness. He maintains that the natural
and necessary desires in human life are driven by the need for basic nourishment, which do not
yield any harm to others. The unnatural and unnecessary desires, on the other hand, which is
majorly related with our want of money, power etc. is essentially controllable. However, the lack
of such control potentially leads us to commit immoral acts.
Analyzing the case of human trafficking, we can clearly see that the actions that are
undertaken by the traffickers are essentially immoral, as they are causing harm to other people
for their own benefit. Moreover, the happiness that they derive from their actions, in terms of
accumulating money, is only momentary, since material wealth can never lead up to true
contentment of the soul. It will eventually crave for more and create a sense of discontentment,
disrupting their mental peace and happiness. Therefore, it can be argued that the attainment of
money through immoral action can never bring out true happiness for the wrongdoers, as it
yields only a momentary satisfaction. On the other hand, if individuals pursue the path of
morality, they can indeed achieve a happiness that lasts for lifetime.
From this discussion, the major premise for the argument can be formed in the following
way:
Accumulation of material wealth cannot bring about true happiness as they are only
momentary.
On the other hand, analyzing the traffickers’ case, the minor premise can be formed in the
following way:

PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENT
Happiness derived from human trafficking is only material in nature.
Standardizing the two premises, the argument can be formed in this way:
1. If an action is only dedicated to achieve material wealth, it cannot bring about true
happiness. (p > q)
2. Human traffickers act only to accumulate material wealth. (p)
3. Therefore, the action of human traffickers can never bring about true happiness. (-- q)