What is the difference between being happy and living well?

While happiness is a subjective state of mood or satisfaction, living well is a broader concept encompassing a life of meaning, ethical conduct, and engagement with reality. One can be happy in an illusory state, but that doesn't equate to living a good life.

Is grief always a negative experience?

Grief, while painful, is often a rational response to loss and a crucial part of living well. It acknowledges the significance of what has been lost. However, there's a complex balance between necessary grieving and potentially maladaptive prolonged suffering, with social rituals playing a role in navigating this.

Can meditation cure psychological suffering?

Meditation, particularly mindfulness practices rooted in traditions like Buddhism, offers a method to break the spell of thought that often fuels psychological suffering. By recognizing consciousness independent of thought's implications, one can find equanimity and reduce suffering.

What does the Buddhist concept of 'no self' mean?

The concept of 'no self' in Buddhism does not deny personal continuity or identity but challenges the default experience of a central subject or 'thinker' at the core of consciousness. It suggests an illusion of a self that appropriates experience, and transcending this can lead to a vaster sense of mind and equanimity.

How do we know if ethical truths are objective?

The existence of moral disagreements, similar to scientific disagreements, does not necessarily negate objective truth. Just as scientific rigor involves more than mere consistency with data, ethical rationality goes beyond internal consistency. Persistent disagreement might reflect individual or group ignorance rather than the absence of objective ethical facts.

Key Moments

Philosophy and the Good Life: A Conversation with Kieran Setiya (Episode #295)

Sam Harris

Science & Technology3 min read45 min video

Sep 9, 2022|35,634 views|611|183

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Philosophy can guide a good life by addressing grief, regret, and meaning.

Key Insights

Philosophy's relevance to living well has diminished but can be revived by focusing on practical life questions.

Living well is distinct from mere happiness; it involves confronting reality, even unpleasant emotions like grief.

Grief is a complex emotion that, while painful, signifies the importance of a lost relationship and person.

The concept of 'no-self' in contemplative traditions offers a path to equanimity by dissolving the illusion of a central subject.

Understanding actions as 'telic' (goal-oriented) or 'atelic' (process-oriented) helps manage expectations and reduce frustration.

Reframing challenges and acknowledging biases toward the future are crucial for navigating life's difficulties.

REVIVING THE PRACTICAL PURPOSE OF PHILOSOPHY

The conversation highlights a perceived disconnect between modern academic philosophy and its historical aim of guiding individuals toward living a good life. Setiya argues that while philosophy has become more abstract and specialized, its core tools remain relevant for addressing practical life concerns like midlife crises, grief, loneliness, and failure. He aims to bridge this gap, reconnecting academic philosophy with the everyday pursuit of well-being, a goal that was once central to the discipline's identity.

LIVING WELL VERSUS BEING HAPPY

A key distinction is drawn between subjective happiness (feeling good) and living well (living a meaningful, authentic, and good life). Setiya uses thought experiments like the 'experience machine' and the reality of grief to illustrate that a life filled with pleasure but devoid of truth or genuine connection is not a life well-lived. Confronting difficult realities, including negative emotions, is seen as essential for true well-being, suggesting happiness is a byproduct, not the sole aim.

THE COMPLEXITY AND NECESSITY OF GRIEF

Grief is presented not merely as an undesirable emotional state to be eradicated, but as a significant and, at times, rational response to profound loss. While acknowledging the pain, Setiya suggests that grief signifies the importance of the person or relationship lost and that its absence would imply a diminished capacity for deep attachment. The challenge lies in determining when grief becomes maladaptive and the role of social rituals in navigating this process.

UNDERSTANDING THE 'NO-SELF' INSIGHT

The concept of 'no-self,' particularly as understood in Buddhist traditions, is explored as a potential remedy for psychological suffering. Setiya clarifies that this insight doesn't negate personal identity or continuity but targets the illusion of a central, ruling subject at the core of experience. By relinquishing this idea, one can experience a greater sense of spaciousness and unity, moving beyond the limitations imposed by the egoic perspective and leading to equanimity.

TELIC VERSUS ATELIC ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE BIAS

Setiya introduces the distinction between 'telic' activities (goal-oriented, with a clear end point) and 'atelic' activities (process-oriented, ongoing). Understanding this difference can help manage expectations and reduce frustration, particularly with atelic pursuits where satisfaction lies in the process itself. Coupled with this is the discussion of future bias and regret, emphasizing the importance of reframing our perspective on time and challenges to better navigate life's inherent imperfections.

OBJECTIVE MORAL TRUTHS AND PERSUASION

The conversation touches on the existence of objective moral truths, drawing parallels between ethical disagreements and scientific debates. Setiya argues that societal disagreement on moral issues does not negate the possibility of objective ethical truths, just as widespread disagreement on scientific matters doesn't invalidate scientific facts. The challenge lies not in the absence of truth, but in the difficulty of persuasion, which can be hindered by dogmatism or differing conceptual frameworks.

Mentioned in This Episode

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Common Questions

Kieran Setiya argues that academic philosophy, often perceived as abstract, offers valuable tools and perspectives for navigating practical life challenges. It helps in understanding concepts like morality, agency, and well-being, which are crucial for a fulfilling existence.

Topics

Mental Health & Psychology Mindset & Self-Improvement Grief And Loss Philosophy Of Life Nature Of Self Mindfulness Meditation Meaning Of Well-being Ethical Objectivity Existential Challenges

Mentioned in this video

People

Kieran Setiya

Professor of Philosophy at MIT and author of "Midlife: A Philosophical Guide" and "Life Is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way."

Sam Harris

Host of the Making Sense podcast, discussing philosophy and its relevance to living a good life.

Paul Bloom

Psychologist friend of the speaker who suggests people are common sense dualists.

Organizations

The Times Literary Supplement