Theories of Happiness: An Anthology
  • Publication Date: May 25, 2015
  • ISBN: 9781554811014 / 1554811015
  • 480 pages; 6½" x 9"

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Theories of Happiness: An Anthology

  • Publication Date: May 25, 2015
  • ISBN: 9781554811014 / 1554811015
  • 480 pages; 6½" x 9"

Theories of Happiness: An Anthology introduces readers to many difficult philosophical questions surrounding the concept of happiness. With historical and contemporary readings in philosophy, psychology, and the social sciences, the anthology reflects a dialogue between ideas, providing for a rich conversation that brings out the key insights and strengths of several competing views. Each of the included readings is contextualized by the editors and situated to speak to the larger issues, including the value of happiness and its connection to well-being, the relationship of happiness to morality, whether happiness can be accurately and meaningfully measured, and whether there are universal standards for a happy life.

Comments

“An excellent collection that includes not only the usual philosophical suspects, but also some important papers by psychologists and one by the Dalai Lama. Students are bound to find that these readings expand their thinking and challenge what they thought they knew about happiness. Teachers will appreciate the thoughtful chapter introductions that highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the theories covered.” — Valerie Tiberius, University of Minnesota

“Mulnix and Mulnix have skillfully chosen highly accessible ancient and contemporary works on the most important philosophical theories of happiness. Given its relatively low cost, accessible readings, and interdisciplinary flavor, Theories of Happiness would be a wonderful textbook for an appealing and engaging course on happiness.” — Dan Weijers, California State University, Sacramento

Preface
Online Materials

PART I: INTRODUCTION

PART II: HAPPINESS AS PLEASURE

  1. Jeremy Bentham, An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (selections)
  2. Daniel Kahneman, “Experienced Utility and Objective Happiness: A Moment-Based Approach”
  3. John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism (selections)
  4. Fred Feldman, What Is This Thing Called Happiness? (selections)
  5. Daniel T. Gilbert and Timothy D. Wilson, “Miswanting: Some Problems in the Forecasting of Future Affective States”
  6. Daniel Haybron, An Emotional State Account of Happiness

PART III: HAPPINESS AS SATISFACTION

  1. Władysław Tatarkiewicz, “Happiness and Time”
  2. Valerie Tiberius and Alicia Hall, “Normative Theory and Psychological Research: Hedonism, Eudaimonism, and Why It Matters”
  3. John Kekes, “Happiness”
  4. Ed Diener and Martin Seligman, “Beyond Money: Toward an Economy of Well-Being”
  5. Martha C. Nussbaum, “Who Is the Happy Warrior? Philosophy,
    Happiness Research, and Public Policy”
  6. Robert Nozick, “Happiness”

PART IV: HAPPINESS AS EUDAIMONIA

  1. Plato, The Republic (selections)
  2. Epictetus, The Enchiridion
  3. Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics (selections)
  4. Richard Kraut, “Two Conceptions of Happiness”
  5. Martha C. Nussbaum, “Capabilities and Human Rights”
  6. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living (selections)

Bibliography

Permissions Acknowledgement

Jennifer Wilson Mulnix is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

M.J. Mulnix is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Salem State University.

The companion site includes chapter reading questions, weblinks, and videos. Access to the website is not restricted with a passcode.

Theories of Happiness: An Anthology and Happy Lives, Good Lives: A Philosophical Examination may be packaged for a discounted price. Please click here for more details or contact Customer Service.