Introduction
“The meaning of life” can be attributed to distinct intrinsic values that can be seen to matter a lot in one’s life. Living a meaningful live means to meet things that have intrinsic value. To me, there are some intrinsic value that exists. In the discussion, we are going to see what philosophers say and believe to possess intrinsic value.
Pain
I have previously argued that pain inherently disvalue an individual. Some of the philosophers agree with this notion. Scholars like Epicurus and Stuart are among the ones who agree with this proportion. However, Zimmerman provides another concrete evidence based on Socrates idea that, “pain is intrinsically bad.,” while Socrates speaks of the reason as to why the luxury and pleasure of food, drinks and also sex, result to a feeling of pain. It is therefore a fact that, pain is a result of intrinsic value. Sometimes we may feel pain and thus, we understand the pain of others from our experiences. It is not just a feeling that can be seen but every bit of the pains we undergo emotionally like in the case where we know someone has died. It can be more painful than just any other physical pain.
Pleasure
When we say that pain possess intrinsic disvalue, it is therefore direct that pleasure means opposite of pain. Pleasure is attributed with intrinsic value. The Scholar who believed that pain has intrinsic disvalue is the same philosopher who believed that pleasure has intrinsic value. In relation to what we experience, it is evident that pain is bad and pleasure is good. Therefore, we can be able to understand how others feel when they feel pleasure. It can also refer to an emotional enchantment and gladness amidst being a physical feeling as in the case of eating food, drinking and having sex. Pleasure is accompanied by our success and when we are sharing with our friends.
Happiness
There are some cases where some philosophers tend to relate happiness with pleasure but all the same, the two terms can hardly be equated with certainty. There is still much to discuss. “Happiness” can be regarded as “joy” or “delight” that is not validated by a temporary feeling. To be happy is more than feeling joyous and delighted in a short span but refers to a consistent, permanent and enduring feeling of the later that ascertains a fulfilled life. Momentary happiness isn’t real happiness. Momentary pain as well is not inadequate to nullify our nous of relishing good living.
As mentioned earlier, happiness is a good drive to intrinsic value but it is not like pleasure which is “known and felt as good.” Upon the oppositeness of happiness, we come to depression which is generally bad intrinsically.
Virtue
It is not certain if many philosophers agree that virtue has an intrinsic value. However, it is believed to be of great importance. For example, the Stoics argue that virtue has intrinsic value. They would claim that nothing is as good as virtue, while nothing is bad excluding vice.
It should be known that being willing and able to do good, is a great virtue. This is an ultimate quality, as it is beneficial to do good things. It is however not clear, if having a virtue for the sake, is great thing.
Good will
According to Immanuel Kant, good will refers to any deed that has the potential to put practical reason into action as a separate force from desire. He believes that good will has much intrinsic value, however Zimmerman says it is wise to be much careful as we interpret Kant’s assertions of value. There are chances good will could be of the great importance, since it enables us to do what is right.
Human Existence
Despite having human existence as a core value in our society, quite a number of philosophers don't categorize it as an intrinsic value. Discussions on relevance of life have been conducted, by individuals like Friedrich Nietzsche and Kant.
It proves difficult enough, to differentiate human existence from intuition, as it is not clear if we can have the knowledge of our existence in such manner. Despite being in a position to experience how it feels like to exist, there's no guarantee to experience any moment as good.
Consciousness
The inner worth of consciousness is viewed as an ideal option to '' human existence'". First and foremost, no worth is attached to a state of existence without consciousness. Secondly, Intrinsic value is as well obtained by animals with consciousness. Thirdly, the level and quality of consciousness is gradable. Small minded beings are usually associated with lack of consciousness in life. An example is some fish, which are believed to have poor consciousness. Great consciousness is related to people, apes, elephants etc.
John Stuart argues that its of more worth be human even without being satisfied, than a pig that is comfortable and satisfied. He also asserts that having satisfaction from a fool is worse than dissatisfaction resulted by Socrates. In reference to this, he thought that physical pleasure can't be contrasted with intellectual satisfaction. According to Nietzsche, some individuals possess sense but lack moral virtue. people have different levels of consciousness, and Mill makes sense when he says “better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.”
Conclusion
Conclusively, this essay considers great philosophers’ contributions to intrinsic value Pleasure and pain are believed to be the best tools for intrinsic value. This explains why many people find hedonism more appealing. However, hedonism might ignore and neglect other important intrinsic values.
