The Pursuit of Happiness?

According to Sigmund Freud civilization is condemned to discontent. Freud believes that humans are dangerous and violent creatures that need to be controlled and contained. Society controls and contains humans and diverts us from our natural violent nature. Edward Bernays found a way to contain the violent humans through consumerism. Every primal instinct that humans have is met through prescribing meaning to inanimate objects. Furthermore, society also contains humans with its laws and social norms. Certain taboos restrain humans and their needs. The deep inner desires of humans are repressed within the id. The id contains all our horrible and shameful wants and desires, and if fully released would result in chaos. The ego represses the id and conforms to societies norms. Thus, humankind have a general hatred towards society. Also, this is why we punish those that are different so severely. For example, a gay man is subjected to harsh treatment and ostracized from his peers. The other members in society do this because this man represents their repressed desires. They are afraid of the new emotions that this man brings up within them. They are confused because these thoughts are not allowed, they are meant to be repressed. This is also true in the case of lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people. They cause an arise of forbidden emotions in people. Thus, they are the victims of various punishments from others. People are constantly conscious of their emotions and what is normal and what is not. When they are made aware of something not normal they chop it down at its roots, afraid of what havoc it may cause. This constant paranoia is why humans can never truly be happy. We have to preserve our civilization, as it is the only way for humans to control themselves. Otherwise, the primal instinct will take over and their will be chaos everywhere. In order to have civilization it is vital for humans to remain discontent. Of course, we do not see ourselves as continuously unhappy. We make do with the objects that we buy. If I buy a new jacket it'll make me feel better about myself. This mentality is why we spend the way we do. We no longer buy for need, we buy for want. However, this does not allow us to be happy. Have you ever been content with just one nice pair of shoes? I haven't, and I doubt I'll be content with all the shoes in the world. The repression of the id leaves a void that will never be filled, no matter how many shoes I buy. Humans will never be happy as long as we repress our true selves. However, would the chaos created be worth the happiness?

The Trail of Socrates: Innocent or Guilty?

In Plato's Euthyphro the audience is told that the great thinker Socrates is being sued. He is being charged with corrupting the youth and introducing new gods. Now one may wonder whether or not these chargers are legitimate. In order to establish this the time period and events leading up to Socrates persecution must be examined. At this time the Peloponnesian War was taking place, which meant that the nation was in great stress. With all the men at war the people were dependant on the youth to be the driving force of their society. Amongst all this we have Socrates charged with corrupting the "precious" youth. Even though the charges may be utterly false, the fear of corruption has struck the society. Therefore, in this time of great peril and distress the paranoia of the people regarding their youth is just. Socrates just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Whether or not the people were rational regarding the prosecution is a different matter. The people could have examined the matter and truly examined whether or not Socrates was corrupting their youth. Moreover, if Socrates was actually corrupting the youth the case still fails to stand firmly against criticism. People take discussions for themselves, and that even under the influence of someone else, they have the capability for self determination.This also stands true with regards to the youth of that time. Therefore, Socrates could not have fully corrupted the youth because they all have the capability for self determination. This argument is also valid in the terms of new gods. The people only had the gods to turn to in the time of distress and war. With their faith shaken the persecution of Socrates is understandable. However, again we can analyse the rationality of this charge. The fact that Socrates has introduced new gods should not worry people unless he pressurizes other to also believe  in the new god. Moreover, their belief in this god is truly up to them and not whether or not Socrates believes. As shown, the charges against Socrates are both just and irrational. Currently, I am undecided on whether or not this is a fair trail. Given the mental state of the people at the time one can understand these charges. However, on further examination one realizes that these are not legitimate charges and they can be refuted. I think that this is a case of the needs of the many overpowering the needs of the one.