Date of Award

6-11-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Philosophy

First Advisor

Richard Kim

Second Advisor

Freya Möbus; Joshua Mendelsohn

Abstract

Underlying both the voluntary simplicity and minimalist lifestyle movements is the sentiment that living a simple life leads to tranquility. Despite purported instances where tranquility is experienced through simple living (Hitz, 2020), one can identify instances where, despite living simply, one does not experience tranquility. If living simply is not sufficient for tranquility, what is? In this project I argue that “simplicity” is the inner condition necessary and sufficient to experiencing tranquility. While some argue that simplicity is a practical virtue (Compte-Sponville, 2001; Gambrel and Cafaro, 2010; and Martin, 2012), I argue that simplicity, what is linguistically defined as the state of being simple, is the state of purity. In each sense of how “simplicity” is commonly used, an underlying connective thread appears in a connection to this notion of purity. To be simple, in some way, refers to being pure. This sense of purity can be understood in relation to extraneity—to be pure is to hold nothing in excess of what is necessary to one’s natural functioning. Purity, in turn, I demonstrate is rooted in the capacity of harmonious detachment. Harmonious detachment, in contrast to other forms of detachment, I argue, is not a renunciation of attachment, but a capacity to let go. In this sense, harmonious detachment presupposes that one holds attachment only to harmonize with outcome. Through this sense of detachment, I demonstrate that it is through this practice that one reaches simplicity. In considering the relationship between the simple life and simplicity further, I argue that although the simple life is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for the cultivation of simplicity, its presence makes the development of such a state easier to attain. One can practice harmonious detachment regardless of one’s lifestyle, however living a simple life eases its cultivation.

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