Joy is considered to be one of the most basic human emotions along with love, fear, sadness, anger, and disgust. It is an emotion that people experience when they are happy or satisfied about something.
There has been a debate over whether joy can be a moral virtue on par with other virtues such as compassion or humility. In this article, we will discuss why some scholars believe joy should be seen as a moral virtue while others think otherwise.
Scholars who view joy as a moral virtue
Some scholars argue that joy should be seen as a moral virtue because it leads to positive actions. They claim that if people feel happy, they are more likely to act in ways that bring happiness to others.
Someone who feels happy may choose to help a stranger or volunteer for a charity event, which could lead to positive outcomes for both themselves and others.
People who have high levels of joy tend to have better health outcomes than those who do not. This suggests that joyful individuals have a positive impact on their physical and mental well-being.
Scholars who oppose the idea that joy is a moral virtue
Other scholars argue that joy is not necessarily a good thing, especially if it comes at the expense of other values such as compassion or humility. They point out that some people might feel happy by harming others or taking advantage of them.
A person who steals from their neighbors to purchase luxury items may feel happy with their new possessions but hurt their neighbor's trust and security. Therefore, this action would not be considered morally acceptable even though it makes the thief happy.
There are mixed opinions among scholars about whether joy can be a moral virtue equal to compassion or humility. Some believe that joy can inspire positive actions and improve physical and mental health. Others argue that joy can also lead to negative behaviors that hurt others.
It is up to each individual to determine what they consider to be important and how they want to live their life.
Can joy be reintroduced as a moral virtue equal to humility or compassion?
Joy is an important aspect of life that can contribute positively to our wellbeing. It is defined as a positive emotion characterized by feelings of elation, excitement, and happiness. While joy may not always involve altruism or selflessness like other virtues such as humility or compassion, it can still bring about benefits for ourselves and those around us.