Human Happiness and the Pursuit of Maximization

Human Happiness and the Pursuit of Maximization

Author: Hilke Brockmann

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-07-09

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13: 9400766092

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This book tests the critical potential of happiness research to evaluate contemporary high-performance societies. These societies, defined as affluent capitalist societies, emphasize competition and success both institutionally and culturally. Growing affluence improves life in many ways, for a large number of people. We lead longer, safer, and more comfortable lives than previous generations. But we also live faster, and are competition-toughened, like top athletes. As a result, we suspect limits and detect downsides of our high-speed lives. The ubiquitous maximization principle opens up a systematic gateway to the pleasures and pains of contemporary life. Using happiness as a reference point, this book explores the philosophical and empirical limits of the maximization rule. It considers the answer to questions such as: Precisely, why did the idea of (economic) maximization gain so much ground in our Western way of thinking? When, and in which life domains, does maximization work, when does it fail? When do qualities and when do quantities matter? Does maximization yield a different (un)happiness dividend in different species, cultures, and societies? ​


The Political Economy of Human Happiness

The Political Economy of Human Happiness

Author: Benjamin Radcliff

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2013-03-25

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 1107030846

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Data, methods and theories of contemporary social science can be applied to resolve how political outcomes in democratic societies determine the quality of life that citizens experience. Radcliff seeks to provide an objective answer to the debate between left and right over what public policies best contribute to people leading positive and rewarding lives. Radcliff offers an empirical answer, relying on the same canons of reason and evidence required of any other issue amenable to study through social-scientific means. The analysis focuses on the consequences of three specific political issues: the welfare state and the general size of government, labor organization, and state efforts to protect workers and consumers through economic regulation. The results indicate that in each instance, the program of the Left best contributes to citizens leading more satisfying lives and, critically, that the benefits of greater happiness accrue to everyone in society, rich and poor alike.


Handbook of Eudaimonic Well-Being

Handbook of Eudaimonic Well-Being

Author: Joar Vittersø

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-10-18

Total Pages: 562

ISBN-13: 3319424459

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This handbook presents the most comprehensive account of eudaimonic well-being to date. It brings together theoretical insights and empirical updates presented by leading scholars and young researchers. The handbook examines philosophical and historical approaches to the study of happy lives and good societies, and it critically looks at conceptual controversies related to eudaimonia and well-being. It identifies the elements of happiness in a variety of areas such as emotions, health, wisdom, self-determination, internal motivation, personal growth, genetics, work, leisure, heroism, and many more. It then places eudaimonic well-being in the larger context of society, addressing social elements. The most remarkable outcome of the book is arguably its large-scale relevance, reminding us that the more we know about the good way of living, the more we are in a position to build a society that can be supportive and offer opportunities for such a way of living for all of its citizens.


In Pursuit

In Pursuit

Author: Charles A. Murray

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 9780671611002

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A modern classic--back in print and available again. Originally published in 1988, this book draws on advances in psychology and sociology to explore the fundamental questions of what is meant by "success". Rich in fascinating case studies. Line drawings, graphs and tables.


Measuring Happiness

Measuring Happiness

Author: Joachim Weimann

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2015-02-06

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 0262028441

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Can money buy happiness? Is income a reliable measure for life satisfaction? In this book, three economists explore the happiness-prosperity connection, investigating how economists measure life satisfaction and well-being. --


The Exploration of Happiness

The Exploration of Happiness

Author: Antonella Delle Fave

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-29

Total Pages: 342

ISBN-13: 9400757026

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This specially selected collection of landmark work from the Journal of Happiness Studies maps the current contours, and the likely future direction, of research in a field with a fast-rising profile. This volume, which inaugurates a series aiming to explore discrete topics in happiness and wellbeing studies, features selected articles published in the Journal of Happiness Studies during its first decade, which culminated in an ‘impact factor’ in 2011. As the introductory work in the series, it provides readers with a vital overview of the prominent issues, problems and challenges that well-being and happiness research has had to overcome since its appearance on the scientific stage. The journal’s very success evinces both the high scientific quality of the research covered, and the steadily growing interest in a subject that draws responses from a vast range of epistemological aiming points, taking in economics, sociology, psychology, philosophy, education and medicine. The series of volumes following this debut publication will represent a unique contribution to the literature in their multidisciplinary focus on particularized topics. It is reckoned that this will help strengthen cross-disciplinary synergies among authors investigating the same topic, as well as whet the appetite for happiness research among professionals and experts inhabiting a variety of academic domains. This volume addresses the theory of well-being and happiness, the different research approaches now probing their features and components, and the socio-economic and cultural issues that impact on their promotion..


Handbook of Research Methods and Applications in Happiness and Quality of Life

Handbook of Research Methods and Applications in Happiness and Quality of Life

Author: Luigino Bruni

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2016-04-29

Total Pages: 549

ISBN-13: 1783471174

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Offering a thorough assessment of recent developments in the economic literature on happiness and quality of life, this major research Handbook astutely considers both methods of estimation and policy application. Luigino Bruni and Pier Luigi Porta’s refreshing, and constructively critical, approach emphasizes the subject’s integral impact on latter-day capitalism. Expert contributors critically present in-depth research on a wide range of topics including: • the history of the idea of quality of life and the impact of globalization • links between happiness and health • comparisons between hedonic and eudaimonic well-being • the relational and emotional side of human life, including subjective indicators of well-being • genetic and environmental contributions to life satisfaction • the impact of culture, fine arts and new media. Accessible and far-reaching, the Handbook of Research Methods and Applications in Happiness and Quality of Life will prove an invaluable resource for students and scholars of welfare and economics as well as practicing psychologists and researchers.


The Saad Truth about Happiness

The Saad Truth about Happiness

Author: Gad Saad

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2023-07-25

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 1684514347

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The Quest for Happiness Is a Universal Fact. It is a scientific fact, which means we can measure happiness, we can assess it, and we can devise strategies to make ourselves happy and fulfilled human beings. So says Professor Gad Saad, the author of the sensational bestseller The Parasitic Mind and the irrepressible host of The Saad Truth podcast. In this provocative, entertaining, and life-changing new book, he roams through the scientific studies, culls the wisdom of ancient philosophy and religion, and draws on his extraordinary personal experience as a refugee from war-torn Lebanon turned academic celebrity. In The Saad Truth about Happiness you’ll learn the secrets to living the good life, including: • How to live the life you want—not necessarily the life expected of you • Why resilience is a key to happiness • Why your career needs to have a higher purpose than a paycheck • Why variety truly can be the spice of life • Why choosing the right spouse is so important • Why Aristotle had it right when he preached moderation • Why you should take a hint from your dog and realize that playfulness equals happiness The Saad Truth about Happiness is as lively, stimulating, and captivating as its author, who has become a "de facto global therapist" to an ever-growing audience of hundreds of thousands of people. Read this book and you’ll see why so many seek his counsel.


A Research Agenda for Social Wellbeing

A Research Agenda for Social Wellbeing

Author: Neil Thin

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2020-11-27

Total Pages: 253

ISBN-13: 1788976460

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This Research Agenda for Social Wellbeing introduces scholars and planners to the importance of a ‘wellbeing lens’ for the study and promotion of social flourishing. It demonstrates the importance of wellbeing as a public good, not just a property of individuals.


The Happy Brain

The Happy Brain

Author: Dean Burnett

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Published: 2018-05-01

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 1783351314

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'Funny, wise and absolutely fascinating.' Adam Kay, author of This Is Going to Hurt *** Do you want to be happy? If so - read on. This book has all the answers* In The Happy Brain, neuroscientist Dean Burnett delves deep into the inner workings of our minds to explore some fundamental questions about happiness. What does it actually mean to be happy? Where does it come from? And what, really, is the point of it? Forget searching for the secret of happiness through lifestyle fads or cod philosophy - Burnett reveals the often surprising truth behind what make us tick. From whether happiness really begins at home (spoiler alert: yes - sort of) to what love, sex, friendship, wealth, laughter and success actually do to our brains, this book offers a uniquely entertaining insight into what it means to be human. *Not really. Sorry. But it does have some very interesting questions, and at least the occasional answer.