LogFAQs > #891011614

LeningradCowboy posted...

That's a pretty unsubstantiated claim. You'd have to be able to accurately gauge the feelings of euphoria and psychological turmoil in each subject before reaching that conclusion.

And by what standard should society seek to maximize net happiness? People have varying ideas as to what brings about happiness, which in itself cause societal conflict.

I think it is a pretty safe bet that causing someone a lifetime of trauma and PTSD creates more pain than any joy the perpetrator could derive. I guess you could argue the opposite, but that is pretty fringe.

And in terms of what defines happiness, that depends on the philosophical school of thought. In hedonism, happiness is defined as physical/sensory pleasure.