Against Happiness

The "happiness agenda" is a worldwide movement that claims that happiness is the highest good, that it can be measured, and that public policy should promote it. Against Happiness is a critique of this program that reveals the flaws of its concept of happiness and advocates a renewed focus on equality and justice. The book provides both theoretical and empirical analysis of the limitations of the happiness agenda and argues that a better way forward requires integration of cross-cultural philosophical, ethical, and political thought with critical social science. Ultimately, happiness should be a secondary goal—worth pursuing only if it is contingent on the demands of justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The "happiness agenda" is a global movement that asserts that happiness is the ultimate good, that it can be measured, and that public policy should promote it. However, "Against Happiness" is a comprehensive and compelling critique of this program, exposing its flaws and advocating for a renewed focus on equality and justice. Written by an interdisciplinary team of authors, this book offers both theoretical and empirical analysis of the limitations of the happiness agenda. The authors emphasize that this movement draws on a parochial, Western-centric philosophical basis and a demographic sample that fails to represent the diverse perspectives and experiences of people around the world. They demonstrate that happiness defined as subjective satisfaction or a surplus of positive emotions bears little resemblance to the richer and more nuanced concepts of the good life found in many world traditions. Cross-cultural philosophy, comparative theology, and social and cultural psychology all teach that cultures and subcultures vary significantly in how much value they place on life satisfaction or feeling happy. Furthermore, the ideas promoted by the happiness agenda can compete with rights, justice, sustainability, and equality, and even conceal racial and gender injustice.

"Against Happiness" argues that a better way forward requires integration of cross-cultural philosophical, ethical, and political thought with critical social science. Ultimately, the authors contend, happiness should be a secondary goal—worth pursuing only if it is contingent on the demands of justice.

In conclusion, "Against Happiness" is a vital and thought-provoking book that challenges the assumptions and implications of the happiness agenda. It offers a compelling case for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the good life and advocates for a political and social agenda that prioritizes equality, justice, and sustainability. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in promoting a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 147 x 225 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231209489