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In Pursuit of Happiness: Empirical Answers to Philosophical Questions

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The Science of Well-Being

Part of the book series: Social Indicators Research Series ((SINS,volume 37))

Abstract

In this article, we provide an overview of what various philosophers throughout the ages have claimed about the nature of happiness, and we discuss to what extent psychological science has been able to substantiate or refute their claims. We first address concerns raised by philosophers regarding the possibility, desirability, and justifiability of happiness and then turn to the perennial question of how to be happy. Integrating insights from great thinkers of the past with empirical findings from modern behavioral sciences, we review the conditions and causes of happiness. We conclude our discussion with some thoughts about the future of happiness studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA

    Pelin Kesebir & Ed Diener

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  1. Pelin Kesebir
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  2. Ed Diener
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Psychology, University of Illinois, 603 E. Daniel St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA

    Ed Diener

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Kesebir, P., Diener, E. (2009). In Pursuit of Happiness: Empirical Answers to Philosophical Questions. In: Diener, E. (eds) The Science of Well-Being. Social Indicators Research Series, vol 37. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2350-6_3

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