Analysis Of Mark Kingwell's In Pursuit Of Happiness

Mark Kingwell, a philosophy professor, in his piece, “In Pursuit of Happiness,” outlines how there have been numerous disputes about the definition of happiness for countless years, but humanity has struggled to come up with a single, defensible interpretation (Kingwell 255).  Kingwell employs powerful sources in this persuasive writing through his examination of happiness, which he exhibits using logical and ethical arguments such as examples and scientific studies, as well as tone. The challenge in understanding happiness, which can lead to general dissatisfaction, is indirectly demonstrated by Kingwell.

In this piece, Kingwell begins by making an ethical case for happiness as a controversial term and contradiction that is difficult to express in a simple statement (Kingwell 255). He goes on to speak about the unhappiness that comes from the relentless search for happiness. Mark Kingwell finds that there is no single answer to the question of what happiness is. Happiness, according to Kingwell, is "clear, yet explicate," although he never gives a specific definition (Kingwell 256). This section contains a wealth of reliable and accurate information. The author relies on a wide range of experts, from those who cannot identify happiness to those who can establish it through science. Renowned essayists and writers, such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, are quoted by Kingwell. He also cites biological and psychological research that suggests happiness is determined by genetics (Kingwell 256-7). Furthermore, the author's data come from a variety of fields of research and medicine, which adds to the credibility of his argument. This demonstrates information within the writing to support the author's claim of credibility further. Whenever an author not only has great arguments and accompanying data supported by facts, it enhances the author's claim by making it much more convincing.

Lastly, “In Pursuit of Happiness,” Kingwell proceeds with a realistic and rational technique; his tone is analytical but also heartfelt. This is because he frequently stops his own ideas when discussing significant research on happiness (Kingwell 255).  This is accomplished intentionally to make the audience feel comfortable and not bombarded by information. The author then concludes the piece by accusing the distinguished professors of being "preemptively pessimistic" and of constructing a "prison of biological limitation (Kingwell 257)." He believes that while happiness can be expressed in concise, artistic sentences and in an intellectual approach, it is not something that can be purchased or practiced (Kingwell 256-7). Happiness is inevitably attained by one's own efforts. Even if the evidence is contradictory and does not address all of the issues, it does patch in several crevices in Kingwell's narrative and produces a more powerful foundation than it would without such data.

Ultimately, through ethical and logical arguments, Kingwell illustrates that happiness is a difficult concept, and that striving to define it leads to unhappiness. Happiness, according to Kingwell, is so resistant to being understood that putting considerable information and knowledge behind grasping it as a whole is difficult, rendering the comprehension of happiness a difficult endeavor (Kingwell 255-6).

Works Cited

Kingwell, Mark. "In Pursuit of Happiness." 2000. Writing and Reading for ACP Composition, compiled by Christine R. Farris and Deanna M. Luchene, 3rd ed., Pearson, 2019, pp. 255-58.