Here are some New Year resolutions written from different philosophical perspectives. If you have your own version, then please add it in the comments box below.

Virtue Ethics Resolutions: I resolve to build habits of character which reflect my goals for a flourishing life. I will particularly work on my friendships which Aristotle saw as the bedrock of society – that is, true friendship that stands by someone through thick and thin. I will aim to rebalance my life, avoiding excess and also trying to grow in wisdom about who I am, my skills, weaknesses, and creativities – I won’t let other people push me into their mould and will choose my heroes wisely. I resolve to see practical wisdom as the key to meaningful life, and curiosity, wonder, pursuit of truth and self-discipline as the secrets of attaining the amazing life that beckons me forward.

Utilitarianism (John Stuart Mill) Resolutions: I resolve to think more carefully about the pleasure-focus of the modern age – and to have realistic expectations. I will think more carefully about the wisdom of the elderly in the face of the cult of youth: the rules of thumb which older people have developed by which to cope and also achieve long-term happiness. I will pursue goals and pleasures which stretch me, involve difficulty and even discomfort, recognising that happiness does not consist in passivity, addictions to gambling, football or drink, but rather lies in a sensitive recognition of truth, beauty and meaningful activity – the choices I make in secret ad in my leisure time.

Kantian Resolutions: I resolve to try to cultivate the good will, that is, the will that acts out of my understanding of what makes up the moral law, the moral law of consistency, reliability and reasonableness. I resolve to consider the interests of others carefully and to act on principles which reflect the situation and viewpoint of the other person – principles that can be universalised into something that can be used everywhere, irrespective of circumstances or my own feelings. I resolve to apply my reason to my emotions – making sure that I am ruled rather more by the head than the heart, and recognising that my feelings are more likely to drive my prejudices than enhance the sympathy beloved of my utilitarian friends. I will have the courage to reason.

Religious Ethics (Biblical) Resolutions: I resolve to read the Bible for myself – starting with a gospel and moving on to Paul. I resolve to listen carefully to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to stop forming him in my own image (the problem-solver, insurance policy or Church icon Christ), but see him again in his own setting (the overturner of temples, of Levitical rules, of purity codes, of self-justification, of niggling theological points) and his own lifestyle (he had nowhere to sleep, one set of clothes, friends who were embarrassing, encouraged sharing, giving, forgiving, and then walking right into the inner sanctum of those who hated him, unafraid of his own reputation or the consequences for his career as wilderness celebrity or John the Baptist mark 2). I resolve to prefer prophecy over conformity and truth incarnate over truth spoken. I resolve to stop gazing at my own reflection in the mirror (and thinking how God awful) and instead to gaze at beauty (or God) and to smile.

And a very Happy new Year to everyone!

Peter Baron

Image: Wells Cathedral in the snow, © PB