The Law of Life: Exploring the Relationship Between Pleasure, Pain, and Ethics

Use this forum to discuss the March 2023 Philosophy Book of the Month, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness by Chet Shupe
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Sushan
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The Law of Life: Exploring the Relationship Between Pleasure, Pain, and Ethics

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This topic is about the March 2023 Philosophy Book of the Month, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness by Chet Shupe



I call it the Law of Life: To serve life, do things that feel good, and avoid doing things that result in emotional pain. Doing what feels good, not what hurts, is the one thing that makes sense to every living being. So, the “Law of Life” works flawlessly—in the natural world.
(Location 81 - Kindle Version)

The Law of Life states that to serve life, we should prioritize doing things that bring us emotional fulfillment, while avoiding actions that lead to pain. This natural principle, which applies to all living beings, invites us to explore deeper philosophical questions about ethics, morality, and the human condition. Is pleasure always a double-edged sword that leads to harm in the long run? Does this principle apply to other species as it does to humans? How can we reconcile this law with ethical and moral decision-making? Join me in an exploration of The Law of Life and the fundamental questions it raises about our place in the natural world.
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”

– William James
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Agent Smyth
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Re: The Law of Life: Exploring the Relationship Between Pleasure, Pain, and Ethics

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Is Chet Shupe ... just another ... Epicurean (re hedonism)?

Can we find the link, assuming one exists, between Kant & Bentham-Mill?
Never send a man to do a machine's job. 8)
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Sushan
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Re: The Law of Life: Exploring the Relationship Between Pleasure, Pain, and Ethics

Post by Sushan »

Agent Smyth wrote: March 23rd, 2023, 3:12 am Is Chet Shupe ... just another ... Epicurean (re hedonism)?

Can we find the link, assuming one exists, between Kant & Bentham-Mill?
Chet Shupe's "Law of Life" might initially appear to align with Epicureanism or hedonism, as both emphasize the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. However, it is important to recognize the broader context of Shupe's ideas, which focus on the relationship between human nature and the structure of our civilization.

As for establishing a link between Kant and Bentham-Mill, it's worth noting that these philosophers hold quite different views. Kant's philosophy revolves around the concept of the categorical imperative, which emphasizes the importance of acting on moral principles that can be universally applied, irrespective of the consequences. On the other hand, Bentham and Mill's utilitarianism is based on the principle of maximizing overall happiness or minimizing overall suffering, focusing more on the consequences of our actions.

While these two philosophical perspectives might seem irreconcilable, it is possible to engage in a meaningful dialogue that explores the nuances of ethical decision-making. We can consider how the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain relate to our moral obligations and the potential consequences of our actions. By doing so, we can better understand how these various ideas can inform our understanding of human nature and ethical behavior.
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”

– William James
Nancy004
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Re: The Law of Life: Exploring the Relationship Between Pleasure, Pain, and Ethics

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It's important to acknowledge that life is not always straightforward, and there may be situations where short-term discomfort or challenges are necessary for long-term growth and well-being. Sometimes, we need to step out of our comfort zones or face difficult emotions in order to learn, develop resilience, or pursue meaningful goals.

While the "Law of Life" offers valuable guidance, it's essential to strike a balance between doing what feels good and taking necessary steps for personal growth and development. It's about understanding that discomfort and challenges can also contribute to our overall fulfillment and sense of purpose.
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Re: The Law of Life: Exploring the Relationship Between Pleasure, Pain, and Ethics

Post by Sushan »

Nancy004 wrote: July 16th, 2023, 2:59 pm It's important to acknowledge that life is not always straightforward, and there may be situations where short-term discomfort or challenges are necessary for long-term growth and well-being. Sometimes, we need to step out of our comfort zones or face difficult emotions in order to learn, develop resilience, or pursue meaningful goals.

While the "Law of Life" offers valuable guidance, it's essential to strike a balance between doing what feels good and taking necessary steps for personal growth and development. It's about understanding that discomfort and challenges can also contribute to our overall fulfillment and sense of purpose.
Thank you for your thoughtful response. You bring up an essential point about the necessity of stepping out of our comfort zones, facing difficult emotions, and sometimes enduring short-term discomfort for long-term growth. This does indeed add nuance to our interpretation of the "Law of Life."

It could be argued that long-term emotional fulfillment, rather than immediate pleasure, is the 'feel good' factor that the Law of Life refers to. Consequently, actions that involve temporary discomfort but result in long-term benefits align with the law. This interpretation allows us to view personal growth, resilience, and meaningful goals as components of the emotional fulfillment that the Law of Life advocates.

Your insights make me wonder, how can we effectively discern between temporary discomfort for long-term growth and actions that result in needless emotional pain? And how can we apply this discernment in ethical and moral decision-making?
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”

– William James
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