Philosophy for the Science of Well-Being

The study of well-being, happiness, and quality of life is a growing field of social and medical research, with a wide range of definitions and measurements. This book argues that the science of well-being should focus on the well-being of specific kinds of people in specific contexts, and that it can be normative, empirical, and objective all at once, provided that values are aligned with science and science with values.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 248 pages
\n Publication date: 28 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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Well-being, happiness, and quality of life have emerged as central focuses of social and medical research, attracting significant attention and investigation. The pursuit of knowledge in these domains has yielded valuable insights, but it is crucial to question whether the science produced truly captures the essence of well-being. The definition and measurement of well-being are complex endeavors that rely on a combination of normative, empirical, and pragmatic assumptions. These assumptions lead to a wide range of definitions depending on the specific project and discipline involved.

In this book, written from the perspective of the philosophy of science, we aim to establish principles for the responsible production and interpretation of this diverse knowledge. Traditionally, philosophers have sought a unified concept of well-being and a single theory to explain its components. However, for science, this singular goal is unlikely and unnecessary. Instead, the promise and authority of the science lie in its ability to focus on the well-being of specific groups of people in specific contexts. While skeptical arguments may exist, it is possible to measure contextual well-being in a valid and credible manner, but only if scientists broaden their methods to incorporate normative considerations and address publicly and inclusively the value-based conflicts that inevitably arise when a measure of well-being is adopted.

The science of well-being can be normative, empirical, and objective simultaneously, provided that we align values with science and science with values. By doing so, we can create a more comprehensive understanding of well-being and develop effective strategies for promoting it in various aspects of life.

\n Weight: 292g\n
Dimension: 140 x 208 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780197598894\n \n