Optimism - 1666 Words

------------------------------------------------- Optimism Optimism is a mental attitude or world view that interprets situations and events as being best (optimized), meaning that in some way for factors that may not be fully comprehended, the present moment is in an optimum state. The concept is typically extended to include the attitude of hope for future conditions unfolding as optimal as well. The more broad concept of optimism is the understanding that all of nature, past, present and future, operates by laws of optimization along the lines of Hamiltons principle of optimization in the realm of physics. This understanding, although criticized by counter views such as pessimism, idealism and realism, leads to a state of mind that†¦show more content†¦He hoped that society would eventually reach the state where calm reason would replace all violence and force, that mind could eventually make matter subservient to it, and that intelligence could discover the secret of immortality. Much of this philosophy is exemplified in the Hou yhnhnms of Jonathan Swifts Gullivers Travels. Panglossianism The term panglossianism describes baseless optimism of the sort exemplified by the beliefs of Pangloss from Voltaires Candide, which are the opposite of his fellow traveller Martins pessimism and emphasis on free will. The phrase panglossian pessimism has been used to describe the pessimistic position that, since this is the best of all possible worlds, it is impossible for anything to get any better. The panglossian paradigm is a term coined by Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Lewontin to refer to the notion that everything has specifically adapted to suit specific purposes. Instead, they argue, accidents and exaptation (the use of old features for new purposes) play an important role in the process of evolution. Some other scientists however argue the implication that many (or most) adaptionists are panglossians is a straw man. Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time Michael Shermer relates Frank J. Tipler to Voltaires character Pangloss to show how clever people deceiveShow MoreRelatedOptimism And Pessimism And Optimism1439 Words   |  6 PagesOptimism is a disposition or tendency to look to the more favourable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favourable condition (optimism, n.d.). Counter to optimism is pessimism which is the tendency to anticipate only bad or undesirable outcomes (pessimism, n.d.). When looking at optimism it is important to look at the opposing side to emphasis the unwelcome effects of thinking negatively in terms of wellbeing which in the long term could be detrimental to health and prosperityRead MoreOptimism : Optimism Over Pessimism997 Words   |  4 PagesOptimism can be defined as â€Å"Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something† (en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition, n .d.) or more specifically as â€Å"extent to which people hold generalized favorable expectancies for their future† (Birkeland, Blix, Heir, 2007). It’s a characteristic trait which is unique and observed in certain individuals. It’s a form of mental state in which, one believes that the outcome of some specific task or result, will be positive or good. A widelyRead MoreCandide, The Idea Of Optimism1551 Words   |  7 Pagesas a whole. Characters use wit, mockery, and clever language as a way to mimic and mock their challenger. In the case of Candide, the idea of optimism (Pangloss’ views) and pessimism (Martin) are pinned against each other. Optimism is an attitude in which one remains hopeful and positive despite the negative circumstances. Pangloss’ view of optimism involves his belief that everything happens for a reason. Pangloss is stuck in this particular state of mind through out the novel. He firmly believesRead MoreEssay on Dispos itional Optimism2953 Words   |  12 Pages this new type of learning tells us that we learn best through the consequences of our behaviors (p. 277). Dispositional optimism is my choice of behavior for this assignment because it mirrors my personal perspective, motivating me to investigate further on why I engage in this action frequently, and the possible outcomes of this behavior. Dispositional optimism by definition is a general expectation that more good things than bad will occur. Optimistic behavior can give people positiveRead MoreCharacteristics Of Optimism And Pessimism738 Words   |  3 PagesOptimism and pessimism are personality traits relevant in the lives of every individual. Research of the two is an escalating field; there have been more analyses on the effects of it in the last seven years than in the previous twenty. Martin Seligman is known as the father of positive psychology and believes optimism is seen as reacting to problems with a sense of confidence and strong personal ability. Particularly, optimists think negative events are momentary and controllable. On the other handRead MoreThe Importance of Pos itive Perception and Optimism1440 Words   |  6 PagesThe Importance of Positive Perception and Optimism Every human being perceives events and situations differently. However, many researchers have found that perception is a choice. Negative perception can stem from multiple areas of a person’s life. The most positive and fulfilling method to bettering the quality of one’s life is to possess a positive attitude and optimistic perception in all situations. Many people do not realize why having a negative attitude is so influential. However, a negativeRead MoreEssay on A Handful of Optimism1279 Words   |  6 PagesA Handful of Optimism Despite race, religion, sex, or age the world can be divided into two different groups. Those who see the glass as being half full and those who see the glass as being half empty. In other words, being either that of an optimist or a pessimist. Though a simple question, often times people find it difficult to answer. Just when one thinks they have decided that they are one or the other, they come across a song, poem, or an experience that makes them reevaluate the mindRead MoreOptimism Research Paper1232 Words   |  5 Pagesas old as the ages. I have always found myself to look at the brighter and lighter side of every situation. I find that not dwelling on the negative or pondering on the downside keeps me in a better place and state of mind. I recently took an optimism test administered, this test can be taken by anyone and found at www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu. Authentic Happiness is the homepage of Dr. Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and founderRead MoreOptimism as a Theme for Candide Essay1121 Words   |  5 PagesOptimism as a Theme for Candide Just as on the title, Candide, or Optimism, Optimism is also used as a major theme. Voltaires satire of philosophical optimism is one of the major issues of Candide. Throughout the story, satirical references to the best of all possible worlds contrast with natural catastrophes and human wrongdoing. According to Wikipedia, optimism, the opposite of pessimism, is a lifeview where the world is looked upon the as a positive place. Optimists generally believe thatRead MoreThe Pessimism Bias : The Optimism Bias1897 Words   |  8 Pages The optimism bias Jazmin Arias California State University, Fresno Information ____ Podcast ___X__ TED talk or video Name of Podcast, TED talk, or video: The optimism bias URL Link: http://www.ted.com/talks/tali_sharot_the_optimism_bias Topic Introduction This Ted Talk is about optimism bias which is the tendency to think more positively about a person’s life than to think negatively. We have these high expectations that good things would happen than bad ones. It is a positive bias