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Single Idea 21743

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 2. Happiness / d. Routes to happiness ]

Full Idea

During and immediately after the war [14-18], those who hated the Germans were happier than those who still regarded them as human beings, because they could feel that what was being done served a good purpose.

Gist of Idea

In wartime, happiness is hating the enemy, because it gives the war a purpose

Source

Bertrand Russell (An Outline of Philosophy [1927], Ch 22)

Book Ref

Russell,Bertrand: 'An Outline of Philosophy' [Routledge 1979], p.186


A Reaction

A striking remark. There are lots of situations where hatred seems to increase happiness. Russell is roughly defending consequentialism.


The 9 ideas from 'An Outline of Philosophy'

We could be aware of time if senses briefly vibrated, extending their experience of movement [Russell, by Bardon]
Act so as to produce harmonious rather than discordant desires [Russell]
'You ought to do p' primarily has emotional content, expressing approval [Russell]
Unlike hate, all desires can be satisfied by love [Russell]
Goodness is a combination of love and knowledge [Russell]
In wartime, happiness is hating the enemy, because it gives the war a purpose [Russell]
Originally virtue was obedience, to gods, government, or custom [Russell]
Legally curbing people's desires is inferior to improving their desires [Russell]
I doubt whether ethics is part of philosophy [Russell]