The Asymmetry Thesis: Pleasure and Pain's Radically Different Contributions To Well-Being
Date of Award
Winter 8-15-2012
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Type
Dissertation
Abstract
In the philosophical literature, it has often been assumed that pleasure and pain play a symmetrical role in human well-being. I examine recent empirical results and argue that most ways of thinking about symmetry between pleasure and pain in relation to well-being are implausible given what we know from science. I argue that accepting an asymmetrical account of pleasure and pain can help solve several vexing problems in philosophical theories of well-being and beneficence.
Language
English (en)
Chair and Committee
John Doris
Committee Members
Carl Craver, Julia Driver, Eric Brown, Simine Vazire, Dan Haybron
Recommended Citation
Shriver, Adam Joseph, "The Asymmetry Thesis: Pleasure and Pain's Radically Different Contributions To Well-Being" (2012). Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 283.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/art_sci_etds/283
Comments
Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7NV9G6N