© Paul T. P. Wong. What makes life worth living? The happiness hypothesis The virtue-ethic...

© Paul T. P. Wong

The happiness hypothesis

The virtue-ethic hypothesis

The positive-engagement hypothesis

The need satisfaction hypothesis

The human potential hypothesis

The PERMA hypothesis

The meaning hypothesis

We can never achieve all our dreams. We become dissatisfied and bored even

when we obtain everything we seek. There is no God, no soul, no afterlife. There is no divinely ordered universe, no

ultimate purpose. There is no external grounding for morality

-- everything is permissible.

God created us for a reason

God has a plan and purpose for each one of us

God provides a coherent account of the meaning of life

God is the sole source of morality

God gives us hope beyond death

There is ultimate justice and purpose

We are bearers of God's image

Life has value and significance by virtue of being related to God

God satisfies our deepest longings

Positive affect -- Feeling satisfied with life

Achievement -- Striving and attaining worthy life goals

Relationship -- Relating well to others and community

Intimacy -- Having family and close friends

Acceptance -- Being at peace with oneself

Religion -- Have a personal relationship with God

Self-transcendence -- Losing oneself in serving others

Fairness/justice -- Being treated fairly

1. Pursues a choice-worthy purpose or end

2. Exhibits some positive value, virtue, or praise-worthy goods

3. Renders life coherent and intelligible

4. Transcends one's animal instincts and self-interests

5. Makes a significant contribution to the world

6. Enhances the well-being of others

7. Possesses intrinsic value or worth

8. Fulfills God's purpose and plan in one's life

9. Exercises one's freedom of choice

10. Enjoys certain experiences and activities

11. Satisfies one's deepest needs and desires

Involves:Life direction Calling & missionWorthy purpose & endPrioritiesCore valuesA sense of significanceReasons for living

Understand self and others

Understand the demand of the situation

Know right from wrong.

Understand one’s role in life

Achieve a sense of coherence

Can justify one’s own action

Freedom of choiceSelf-determinationInternal control & self efficacy Assume responsibility of our own life & actionCivic dutiesA moral agent.

An appreciative attitude

The natural outcome of leading a purposeful and responsible life

A sense of well-being & serenity in all circumstances

Feel good for doing good

This stage involves reflection and sometimes re-evaluation of PURE.