Single Idea 1452

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 2. Happiness / a. Nature of happiness]

Full Idea

Happiness is the condition of a rational being in the world with whom everything goes according to his wish and will.

Gist of Idea

Happiness is the condition of a rational being for whom everything goes as they wish

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Practical Reason [1788], I.II.II.V)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Practical Reason (Third edition)', ed/tr. Beck,Lewis White [Library of Liberal Arts 1993], p.131


A Reaction

For such a sophisticated and rational philosopher this seems a rather crude notion. Reluctant alcoholics don't fit. Bradley has a much better definition (Idea 5655).

Related Idea

Idea 5655 Happiness is not satisfaction of desires, but fulfilment of values [Bradley, by Scruton]