https://doi.org/10.21697/ucs.2025.35.1.02
The question of happiness has been present in European philosophical thought from its very beginnings. It was born together with philosophy itself in ancient Greece and is as relevant today. Although most philosophers agree that happiness is an important part of human life, they differ on the definition of happiness – how it should be understood. This article consists of the following parts: at the beginning, a short history of the concept of happiness will be presented. In particular, I will describe how the concept of happiness has developed historically, and how philosophers have answered the question about the possibility of achieving happiness throughout the history of philosophy. Then, I will present a controversial philosophical position according to which happiness is an illusion. Finally – in the last, third part – I would like to suggest that perhaps the best way to find happiness, paradoxically, is to look for a purpose other than happiness itself. The best way to achieve happiness is to give up searching for it and find another purpose.
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English
Język Polski