Exploring the Intersection of 'Happy Life' and Existentialism in Contemporary Continental Thought
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Abstract
The search for a ‘happy life’ intersects with the principles of existentialism, according to the approach of contemporary continental philosophy. It is also one of the important investigations in philosophy. This research paper analyzes the works of eminent scholars and theorists namely, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Simone de Beauvoir, in an attempt to explore this relationship. Furthermore, one of the attempts of this paper will be to untangle the complexities that are unavoidable in the quest for happiness, which are a part of individual existence, freedom and the search for meaning.
The research by Simone de Beauvoir has been discussed in great details in this paper. The concept of ambiguity from her work The Ethics of Ambiguity has been mentioned and discussed at length, while also exploring how ambiguity is a part that is deeply-rooted in human existence as well as freedom. The researcher will also raise questions about the ethical considerations related to the pursuit of happiness among human beings. In addition, the paper will analyze how existential ambiguity impacts an individual’s journey towards a ‘happy life’ as well as the moral implications that get revealed while trying to make sense of this complicated terrain. The discoveries will be studied in the sense of existentialism, adding numerous additional layers to the analysis as it will include phenomenological and sociological perspectives to unravel the ethical considerations into the dialogue regarding ‘happy life’.
In analyzing these ethical ambiguities, the paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse in contemporary continental thought and to examine the tension between individual freedom, search for meaning, and the pursuit of happiness. Finally, the paper aims to shed light upon the connection between these concepts as well as human existence as it is marked by existential uncertainty.