1/30/2015

Problems for desire theory

Central claims of the desire theory:
(1) if something is good for us, then it fulfills our desires
(2) if something fulfills our desires, then it is good for us

Is it possible that there exists something that's good for us, but fails to fulfill our desires?
a. pleasant surprises
b. accompany of children
c. prevent suicide attempts

Is it true that something is good for us if it fulfills our desires?

a. desires based on false belief
   In terms of desire theory, it is only informed desires whose satisfaction will improve our lives. 

b. Desire theory doesn't assign any intrinsic value to pleasure. If desire theorists are right, then your life goes better just so long as more of ur desires are satisfied. 

c. Getting what you want can sometimes be a huge letdown. 

d. You don't realize that you have achieved the goal. 

e. Our desires are often shaped by the way we have been raised. What if your desires are impoverished and myopic. 

f.  a paradox: you want to harm yourself, which will decrease your life quality objectively. But by desire theory, you are actually better off subjectively. 

g. if someone knows that his deepest desire is never going to be achieved and wants to commit suicide, how does desire theory cope with that. 

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