Philosophy of Happiness: An Interdisciplinary Introduction

Lorraine L. Besser's book explores the philosophical questions about happiness, such as its definition, measurement, and relationship to morality, and integrates research from psychology, economics, and public policy. It offers a comprehensive understanding of happiness for nonspecialists, with a critical analysis of empirical research and accessible structure and pedagogical features.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The study of happiness, encompassing psychology, economics, and public policy, has sparked a renewed interest in philosophical inquiries about its nature, measurement, and relationship to morality. Lorraine L. Besser's book, "Happiness: A Philosophical Exploration," delves into this research, integrating the insights of various disciplines to provide a comprehensive and accessible understanding of happiness for nonspecialists. This groundbreaking work is the first to examine the fundamental theoretical issues at play in contemporary debates about happiness, offering a critical analysis of empirical research. The book's coverage is extensive yet manageable, with each chapter beginning with an overview and concluding with a summary and suggested readings. This text is particularly valuable for students or individuals embarking on a study of happiness, as its structured approach and pedagogical features facilitate a deep and meaningful exploration of this complex subject.
The study of happiness, encompassing psychology, economics, and public policy, has sparked a renewed interest in philosophical inquiries about its nature, measurement, and relationship to morality. Lorraine L. Besser's book, "Happiness: A Philosophical Exploration," delves into this research, integrating the insights of various disciplines to provide a comprehensive and accessible understanding of happiness for nonspecialists. This groundbreaking work is the first to examine the fundamental theoretical issues at play in contemporary debates about happiness, offering a critical analysis of empirical research. The book's coverage is extensive yet manageable, with each chapter beginning with an overview and concluding with a summary and suggested readings. This text is particularly valuable for students or individuals embarking on a study of happiness, as its structured approach and pedagogical features facilitate a deep and meaningful exploration of this complex subject.

The pursuit of happiness has been a central theme in human philosophy for centuries, and recent research in psychology, economics, and public policy has shed new light on this complex subject. In her book "Happiness: A Philosophical Exploration," Lorraine L. Besser examines this research from a philosophical perspective, weaving together the contributions of other disciplines to provide a robust and deeply contoured understanding of happiness that is accessible to nonspecialists.

One of the key challenges in understanding happiness is defining what it is. Besser argues that happiness is not a simple emotion or a state of mind, but a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses various dimensions, including emotional well-being, life satisfaction, and overall well-being. She explores different theories of happiness, including hedonism, eudaimonia, and utilitarianism, and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses.

Another important aspect of Besser's book is its critical analysis of empirical research on happiness. She examines the methods used in these studies and challenges the assumptions and biases that may influence their findings. Besser highlights the importance of considering individual differences, cultural variations, and the social and environmental factors that impact happiness.

Through her philosophical exploration, Besser offers a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of happiness that goes beyond traditional perspectives. She challenges the notion that happiness is solely a personal pursuit and emphasizes the role of social and environmental factors in shaping our happiness. She also explores the ethical implications of pursuing happiness and discusses the importance of promoting social and economic equality and reducing poverty and inequality.

"Happiness: A Philosophical Exploration" is an important contribution to the field of philosophy and psychology. It provides a thoughtful and nuanced analysis of happiness that is accessible to a wide audience and offers valuable insights into the complex nature of this subject. By integrating the contributions of other disciplines and critically examining empirical research, Besser has produced a book that will be of interest to students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the pursuit of happiness and its relationship to morality and well-being.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138240452