Question 1

Write an essay critically examining the following claim: "Something is good for us only if it satisfies our desires." Are there any cases in which we can be benefited without having any of our desires satisfied? Present a couple of cases that might be thought to have this feature, and describe how you think a desire satisfaction theorist would respond.

Accepted Answer

The claim that "something is good for us only if it satisfies our desires" is a contentious one that has been debated by philosophers for centuries. This claim is rooted in the desire satisfaction theory, which posits that the ultimate good for an individual is the satisfaction of their desires. However, there are cases in which we can be benefited without having any of our desires satisfied.

One such case is the example of a patient who is unconscious and in critical condition. In this scenario, the patient may not have any desires being satisfied, yet they are benefiting from medical treatment that is aimed at saving their life. Another example is that of a child who is forced to undergo a painful but life-saving medical procedure. In this case, the child's desires for comfort and freedom from pain are not being satisfied, yet they are clearly benefiting from the procedure.

A desire satisfaction theorist would likely respond to these cases by arguing that the ultimate goal of these actions is to ultimately satisfy the desires of the individual. In the case of the unconscious patient, the desire satisfaction theorist might argue that the ultimate desire of the patient is to continue living, and the medical treatment is aimed at fulfilling this desire. Similarly, in the case of the child undergoing a painful procedure, the desire satisfaction theorist might argue that the ultimate desire of the child is to be healthy and free from illness, and the procedure is aimed at fulfilling this desire.

However, critics of the desire satisfaction theory may argue that there are instances in which individuals can be benefited without their desires being satisfied. For example, a person may benefit from an act of kindness or generosity from a stranger, even if they did not desire or expect it. In these cases, it can be argued that the individual is benefiting from something that they did not desire or anticipate, which challenges the claim that something is only good for us if it satisfies our desires.

In conclusion, while the desire satisfaction theory provides a compelling framework for understanding what is good for us, there are cases in which individuals can be benefited without their desires being satisfied. It is important to consider these cases and engage in critical examination of the claim that something is good for us only if it satisfies our desires.

Question 2

Describe a case in which a desire is satisfied, but this desire is based on a false belief. Does the satisfaction of such a desire make one better off? What implications does such a case have for the desire satisfaction theory?

Accepted Answer

One example of a case in which a desire is satisfied based on a false belief is when someone believes that a certain product will make them happier, more successful, or more attractive, and they purchase that product based on this belief. However, in reality, the product does not have the desired effect and the belief was false.

In this case, the satisfaction of the desire does not necessarily make the person better off. While they may experience temporary satisfaction from obtaining the product, the ultimate outcome is disappointment and disillusionment when they realize that their belief was unfounded. This can lead to feelings of regret, wasted resources, and a sense of being misled.

This case has implications for the desire satisfaction theory, which posits that fulfilling desires leads to well-being. It suggests that the theory may need to account for the impact of false beliefs on desire satisfaction. It raises the question of whether fulfilling desires based on false beliefs truly contributes to overall well-being, or if it is ultimately detrimental.

Additionally, this case highlights the importance of critical thinking and evaluating the basis of our desires. It suggests that true well-being may come from fulfilling desires that are based on accurate beliefs and align with our values and goals, rather than simply chasing after desires that are rooted in false assumptions. Overall, this case challenges the idea that desire satisfaction alone is sufficient for improving one's well-being, and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between desires, beliefs, and overall happiness.

Question 3

Suppose that you want something very much but that when you get it, you are completely disappointed. Why does this case raise a problem for the desire satisfaction theory? What might a desire satisfaction theorist say in response? Do you find this reply convincing?

Accepted Answer

The desire satisfaction theory states that a person's well-being is determined by the satisfaction of their desires. In the case where someone wants something very much but is completely disappointed when they get it, this raises a problem for the desire satisfaction theory because it suggests that the fulfillment of desires does not always lead to well-being or satisfaction.

A desire satisfaction theorist might respond by arguing that the problem lies not with the theory itself, but with the nature of the desire. They might argue that the desire was not truly in line with the person's overall well-being or that the object of the desire did not truly fulfill the desire in the way that was expected. They might also argue that the disappointment was a result of external factors or circumstances that were beyond the control of the theory.

Whether or not this reply is convincing depends on the individual's perspective. Some may find it convincing, as it allows for the possibility that not all desires are conducive to well-being and that external factors can influence the satisfaction of desires. Others may find it unconvincing, as it does not fully address the problem of desires leading to disappointment despite being fulfilled. Ultimately, the response may not fully resolve the problem raised by the case, and further examination of the desire satisfaction theory may be necessary.

Question 4

Is it possible to desire to harm yourself and to succeed? Write an essay describing the "paradox of self-harm" that faces the desire satisfaction theory. Do you think the desire satisfaction theorist can solve this problem? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is it possible to desire to harm...

Question 5

Are some desires intrinsically better than others? Explain and defend your answer. What does your answer imply about the desire satisfaction theory of welfare?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are some desires intrinsically better than others?...

Question 6

Explain the distinction between disinterested and other-regarding desires. Then, explain the objection that this distinction generates. How should the desire satisfaction theorist respond to this objection? Do you find this response satisfying? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the distinction between disinterested and other-regarding...

Question 7

According to the desire satisfaction theory, desire satisfaction is
A) necessary for becoming better off.
B) sufficient for becoming better off.
C) Both of the above
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Desire satisfaction theory posits that satisfying one's desires is both necessary and sufficient for improving one's well-being, hence making both statements A and B correct.

Question 8

A pleasant surprise is an example of something that
A) makes someone better off but does not satisfy any existing desire.
B) satisfies a desire but does not make someone better off.
C) satisfies a desire and makes someone better off.
D) neither satisfies a desire nor makes someone better off.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A pleasant surprise is an example of...

Question 9

One example that shows that desire satisfaction is not necessary for becoming better off is
A) the case of desires based on false beliefs.
B) the case of impoverished desires.
C) the paradox of self-harm.
D) the vaccination of small children.

Accepted Answer

The vaccination of small children is an example where desire satisfaction (in this case, the desire to avoid getting sick) is not necessary for becoming better off. The child may not desire to get a shot, but the vaccination ultimately leads to better health outcomes and an overall improvement in well-being.

Question 10

According to the text, the satisfaction of a desire based on a false belief
A) always makes us better off.
B) does not always make us better off.
C) always makes us worse off.
D) is impossible.

Accepted Answer

The text states that satisfying a desire based on a false belief may lead to short-term happiness, but in the long run, it may not make us better off. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Question 11

Informed desires are those desires that
A) are based on technical scientific knowledge.
B) have been instilled in us by our society.
C) are not based on false beliefs.
D) we have been told about by someone else.

Accepted Answer

Informed desires are desires that are based on accurate information and therefore are not based on false beliefs.

Question 12

A desire for distant strangers to flourish is an example of
A) an uninformed desire.
B) a disinterested desire.
C) an impoverished desire.
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

A desire for distant strangers to flourish is an example of a disinterested desire because it is not based on personal gain or self-interest. It is a desire for others to do well regardless of any benefit to oneself.

Question 13

Self-regarding desires are those desires that
A) are genuinely your own.
B) are not based on any false beliefs.
C) concern only yourself.
D) make you happy when they're satisfied.

Accepted Answer

Self-regarding desires concern only yourself and do not involve others. A and B do not necessarily encompass the entire definition of self-regarding desires, and while D may be a consequence of fulfilling self-regarding desires, it is not a requirement.

Question 14

A plausible case in which desire satisfaction is not sufficient for becoming better off is
A) a passing fancy.
B) an infant getting a vaccine.
C) a pleasant surprise.
D) a desire for autonomy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A plausible case in which desire satisfaction...

Question 15

According to the desire satisfaction theory
A) no desire is intrinsically better than any other.
B) desire satisfaction is good for us but only when it makes us happy.
C) some things are objectively valuable.
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

According to the desire satisfaction theory, no desire is intrinsically better than any other; what matters is the satisfaction of one's desires, whatever those desires may be.

Question 16

The satisfaction of even informed, self-interested desires doesn't seem to benefit us when
A) we don't know the desire has been satisfied.
B) the desire was not formed autonomously.
C) the desire is merely a passing fancy.
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above reasons can lead to the satisfaction of a desire not benefiting us. If we don't even know the desire has been satisfied, we may not experience any pleasure or benefit from it. If the desire was not formed autonomously, it may not align with our true values and long-term goals. And if the desire is merely a passing fancy, satisfying it may not bring lasting satisfaction or happiness.

Question 17

According to the text, why can't the desire satisfaction theorist maintain that what's good for us is the pleasure we feel when certain desires are satisfied?
A) Because this is to say the pleasure rather than the desire satisfaction is what makes us better off
B) Because not all pleasure is good for us
C) Because sometimes we're better off when our desires are satisfied and we don't know it
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The desire satisfaction theorist claims that what makes us better off is the satisfaction of our desires. However, if they maintain that it is the pleasure we feel when certain desires are satisfied that makes us better off, they are actually prioritizing pleasure over desire satisfaction. This goes against their own theory, which is based on the idea that desire satisfaction is what makes us better off.

Question 18

Why do impoverished desires pose a problem for desire theory?
A) Because setting your sights low does not seem to make you better off
B) Because a satisfied slave does not seem to have a good life
C) Because many of our desires are shaped by the way we've been raised
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Impoverished desires pose a problem for desire theory because setting our sights low may not actually make us better off. Additionally, if we are satisfied with a life of servitude or oppression, it may still not be considered a good life. Furthermore, many of our desires are shaped by external factors like our upbringing or societal norms, which raises questions about their validity and authenticity. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct.

Question 19

According to the desire satisfaction theory, sacrificing your welfare for a cause that is of the utmost importance to you
A) contributes very much to your well-being.
B) detracts strongly from your well-being.
C) is sometimes good and sometimes bad for you.
D) is impossible.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the desire satisfaction theory, sacrificing...

Question 20

If the desire satisfaction theory is true, it is never good advice to tell someone to
A) do what makes him happy.
B) change all his desires.
C) seek knowledge.
D) try to produce beautiful things.

Accepted Answer

If the desire satisfaction theory is true, what is good for someone is getting what they desire. Telling someone to change all their desires would not align with this theory, as it suggests that fulfilling one's current desires is what leads to a good life.

Quiz 4: Problems for the Desire Theory

Describe a case in which a desire is satisfied, but this desire is based on a false belief. Does the satisfaction of such a desire make one better off? What implications does such a case have for the desire satisfaction theory?

Suppose that you want something very much but that when you get it, you are completely disappointed. Why does this case raise a problem for the desire satisfaction theory? What might a desire satisfaction theorist say in response? Do you find this reply convincing?

Is it possible to desire to harm yourself and to succeed? Write an essay describing the "paradox of self-harm" that faces the desire satisfaction theory. Do you think the desire satisfaction theorist can solve this problem? Why or why not?

Are some desires intrinsically better than others? Explain and defend your answer. What does your answer imply about the desire satisfaction theory of welfare?

Explain the distinction between disinterested and other-regarding desires. Then, explain the objection that this distinction generates. How should the desire satisfaction theorist respond to this objection? Do you find this response satisfying? Why or why not?

According to the desire satisfaction theory, desire satisfaction is

A pleasant surprise is an example of something that

One example that shows that desire satisfaction is not necessary for becoming better off is

According to the text, the satisfaction of a desire based on a false belief

Informed desires are those desires that

A desire for distant strangers to flourish is an example of

Self-regarding desires are those desires that

A plausible case in which desire satisfaction is not sufficient for becoming better off is

According to the desire satisfaction theory

The satisfaction of even informed, self-interested desires doesn't seem to benefit us when

According to the text, why can't the desire satisfaction theorist maintain that what's good for us is the pleasure we feel when certain desires are satisfied?

Why do impoverished desires pose a problem for desire theory?

According to the desire satisfaction theory, sacrificing your welfare for a cause that is of the utmost importance to you

If the desire satisfaction theory is true, it is never good advice to tell someone to