Ethics in Wellism

Wellism, as an Ethical System, aims to provide principles and values to guide individuals and societies act in ways that enhance wellbeing.

[DRAFT] [DRAFT] [DRAFT]

Important

Must make it clear that even though Wellism cares about the wellbeing of all, it does not mean that it promotes cold utilitarian calculations by which a group of people is justified in demanding that others should sacrifice their wellbeing for the wellbeing of the group, “for the common good”. We have seen the horrors of collectivism. Or even demand that one person sacrifices their wellbeing for the wellbeing of another person.

because
by the way, the very demand harms the person’s feeling of freedom and autonomy, so his wellbeing is harmed. Of course, we can think of proportionality. So if one person is very rich and another person is very poor and has a lot of property, and another person is very poor and is starving, the by taking into account the wellbeing of all, it might be worthwhile to discuss whether it is morally justified for the poor to steal a little from the rich just to survive, since the wellbeing of the rich will be virtually unaffected. Wellism does not deal with absolutes, but tries to weigh the issues with sensitivity. It’s not always clear, but at least we have a central standard to guide us rather than simply absolutive theoretical principles.
Also, the concept of property is complex. Because of what it means, how it can be attained, how the rich can get richer in a way that the poor does not have access to. So we also need to think about fairness. it’s a delicate issue.
A good practical tools is that if someone claims that something is not fair, we can ask: “compared to what?” Perhaps in a puritanical sense it does not comply with a strict rule, but in a practical sense it does more good than harm, while still not being at the expense of the wellbeing of anyone, and or at least with very negligible harm.

What is wellism’s view on statism?

In what sense is Wellism an ethical system?
In what sense is selecting wellbeing as the central organizing principle an ethical choice?

Anything Beyond Wellbeing?

But just to complete the philosophical debate: well, is there anything beyond the purpose of living and achieving our needs and desires, and a high level of wellbeing?

Ok, but what if one’s religious belief conflicts with wellbeing of others? In that case, Wellism will not help you harm others. In fact, it will help others defend themselves against your nefarious desires. You are free to continue to hold to your horrendous beliefs, but you are not free from the consequences. You can choose to live in a harmonious society, or you can choose to act against it, and suffer the consequences. We strongly advise against choosing the latter because:

We can demonstrate ample evidence that living according to such a horrendous belief harms your own emotional wellbeing and physical health. Hatred and engaging in violence are not destructive to your most essential emotional needs.
You will constantly live in fear of retaliation from people who live according to Wellism.

If you think otherwise – realize that this is only because you have been indoctrinated in a society that holds antiquated beliefs. Antiquated – ask yourself: When were these beliefs developed? All violent religious beliefs are relics of a bygone era, a violent past, when people did not know any better.

You do not have a direct channel to God. You only heard from other people what they think God wants according to what previous generations of people believed. But who says that those people were correct? Maybe there once was a crazy person who claimed that God told him he should kill people who do not share his beliefs and he should impose very anti-wellbeing rules on others? And somehow he managed to gather a crowd of followers around him, and spread these beliefs with violence? And you are merely a descendant of such people, but it’s high time to adopt a new philosophy of life that would allow you to enjoy a much higher level of wellbeing? Wouldn’t you want this for yourself and your loved ones?

Maybe you are afraid to adopt Wellism because you were indoctrinated to hold beliefs that contradict Wellism, and you are afraid of “God’s wrath”. That’s understandable. Also, maybe you are afraid of retaliation from people in your society who severely punish by violence and death anyone who dissents from their dogma because of “apostasy” and “blasphemy”. That’s also understandable. But to live in fear and to direct your whole life by fear – is horrendous. A much better way to live your life is to be motivated by love and compassion for yourself and others.

Look at all those who direct their lives by violent beliefs. E.g. look at the dire fate and defeat of the Nazis, ISIS, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various ruthless dictators such as Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and Nicolae Ceaușescu.

“If you live by the sword, you die by the sword”, but furthermore, even before you die by the sword, you live your whole life in violence and fear. That’s horrible. And there are ways that are so much better!

Wellism starts with asserting the following:

Wellbeing in all its forms should be the central organizing principle of our personal lives, relationships, and society as a whole.

Justification

What is the justification for this approach?

Pragmatic approach.

Wellism aims to help individuals fulfill their needs and desires—under certain important conditions which will be specified below.

Usually, an individual’s needs and desires align with the individual’s wellbeing. Usually, everyone wants to enhance their wellbeing and not harm it. Also, in most cases, individuals do not want to deliberately harm others. And hence,

Wellism simply aims to help individuals fulfill their needs and desires.

Ethical systems can be based on duties, consequences, virtues, relationships, or other foundations. Wellism draws from several of these traditions but is distinctive in its central focus on wellbeing.

This means that actions, policies, and cultural norms are evaluated primarily by how they affect the wellbeing of individuals, communities, and the planet.

What enhances wellbeing is considered ethical.
What harms wellbeing is considered unethical.

This approach is both normative (it prescribes what we ought to do) and holistic (it considers personal, collective, and planetary dimensions).

How Wellism Guides Ethical Decisions

Wellism provides guidance for:

Personal conduct: Encouraging habits and choices that support physical, emotional, and mental health.
Relationships: Promoting respect, compassion, and positive communication.
Social systems: Advocating for institutions and policies that protect and enhance the wellbeing of all.

Wellism does not rely solely on abstract duties, divine commandments, or utilitarian calculations. Instead, it integrates scientific understanding, ethical reasoning, and cultural wisdom to create a flexible but principled approach to ethics.

Comparison to Other Ethical Theories

Wellism shares features with several ethical traditions:

Like consequentialism and utilitarianism, it cares about outcomes (wellbeing).
Like virtue ethics, it values the cultivation of positive qualities and character.
Like care ethics, it emphasizes relationships and compassion.
Unlike moral relativism, Wellism holds that there are better and worse ways to support wellbeing, even if cultural practices differ.

Wellism’s Ethical Commitments

Non-harm: Avoid actions that cause unnecessary harm to others’ wellbeing.
Compassion: Act with empathy and care for the wellbeing of all.
Respect: Honor the personal sovereignty and dignity of every individual.
Justice: Support fairness and the flourishing of all, not just a privileged few.
Evidence and Reason: Use rational thinking and evidence to assess what truly supports wellbeing.

always with the aim of creating a world where everyone can thrive.

Ethics in Wellism – DRAFT