A Philosophy of Happiness by Michael Furstner
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Contents
Introduction
There are (I suggest) two distinct fields of Philosophy : "Philosophy of Knowledge" (science) and
"Philosophy of Wisdom". Both use the tools of logical analysis
pioneered by the ancient Greek Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, etc.
The
Philosophy of Knowledge is based on facts and discoveries of the Natural
sciences. (Having a Dutch Doctorandus degree in Geology from Leiden University, I
am a qualified Philosopher of Knowledge.)
The Philosophy
of Wisdom on the other hand attempts to define and understand more abstract
areas of humanity (morality, politics, happiness) through the path of mental analysis and logic.
Unfortunately the contemporary Philosophy of Wisdom has developped into such a detailed
and complex area of analysis that it has become difficult to grasp for
anyone but outright experts.
Fortunately there are modern philosophers
like André Comte-Sponville and Alain de Botton who have
published excellent books on Philosophy which are written in common sense, simple
language anyone can understand. I have taken some of their writings as basis for
my own contemplations on a Philosophy of Happiness as outlined in the Blog
segments below.
I have followed the advice of Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) that interesting ideas are to be found in every life.
- "We may all arrive at wise ideas if we cease to think ourselves as so unsuited to the task
- because we aren't 2,000 years old,
- aren't interested in Plato's dialogues
- and live quietly in the country
You can attach the whole of moral philosophy to a commonplace private life just as well as to one of richer stuff."
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Although I have only referred to my own personal
experiences during the past 75 years of my life in these pages, I hope that they nevertheless
may help you (dear reader) to find practical ways for
defining and pursuing your own path towards Happiness.
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