Desires are an important part of our human experience that shapes who we are and what we do. From simple pleasures like eating delicious food to more significant ones such as falling in love, desires motivate all of our actions. Desire can be understood as a feeling of wanting something, but it also has cognitive components such as beliefs about how satisfying those wants will be. Ethics is the study of what makes actions right or wrong, and ethical living entails aligning one's actions with moral principles. Many people believe that ethical living requires suppressing their desires in order to live up to certain standards, while others think that desires should be integrated into moral reasoning. This essay explores both sides of the argument and argues for integration of desire into moral reasoning.
It is important to understand what desire is. Desire can refer to physical or emotional needs, wishes, or longings. Physical desires include hunger, thirst, and sex. Emotional desires include happiness, security, belongingness, and purpose. Humans have evolved to seek out fulfillment of these basic needs and wants through various means.
Animals eat food because they are hungry, and humans eat food because it tastes good. Similarly, humans engage in sexual activity because it feels good physically and emotionally.
Not all desires are created equal - some may be healthy and productive, while others may be harmful or destructive.
When it comes to ethical living, there are two main approaches: suppression and integration. Suppressing desires involves denying them or ignoring them altogether. This approach is often associated with religious or spiritual traditions that emphasize self-control and discipline.
Buddhism teaches that by denying our desires, we can reach enlightenment and become liberated from suffering. Integration involves integrating desires into moral reasoning. In this approach, desires are seen as natural parts of human experience that must be acknowledged and incorporated into decisions.
Utilitarianism suggests that if an action maximizes pleasure for everyone involved, then it is morally right. Both approaches have their merits and drawbacks.
Suppressing desires has the advantage of allowing for greater control over one's behavior. By suppressing desires, people can avoid acting on impulses that might lead to harmful actions such as cheating, stealing, or lying. It also allows for a greater focus on more significant goals like personal growth, social justice, or environmental protection. The downside of suppressing desires is that it can lead to feeling disconnected from oneself and others. People who try to suppress their desires may feel shame, guilt, or resentment towards themselves or others. They may miss out on important experiences that bring meaning and fulfillment to life.
Integrating desires into moral reasoning has several advantages. First, it recognizes the role of desire in shaping human behavior. Humans are not blank slates - we all have innate needs and wants that influence how we think and act. By understanding these needs and wants, we can make better decisions that reflect our values and priorities. Second, integration can create more authentic relationships with others. When we acknowledge our own desires, we can empathize with those of others. Third, integrating desires can lead to creative solutions to problems. By considering both what we want and what others want, we can find win-win scenarios that benefit everyone. The biggest challenge of integration is ensuring that desires do not become too powerful or dominate moral decision-making. This requires careful reflection and awareness of how different desires interact with each other.
Ethical living does not require suppression of desire but rather its integration into moral reasoning. Desire is an essential part of being human, and ignoring it entirely can lead to feelings of isolation and unhappiness. Integrating desire into moral reasoning allows for a fuller, richer experience of life while still aligning actions with principles. As humans continue to evolve, it will be crucial to understand the complex interplay between desire and morality to create a more just and sustainable world.
Does ethical living require suppression of desire, or integration of desire into moral reasoning?
Ethical living does not require the suppression of desires. Rather, it requires individuals to integrate their desires with their moral reasoning to make informed decisions. This means that instead of simply following their desires blindly, individuals should consider the consequences of their actions and whether they align with their values and beliefs.