Ruut Veenhoven
in : F. Strack, M Argyle, & N. Schwarz (eds) 'Subjective wellbeing, an
interdisciplinary perspective', Pergamon Press, 1991, London, pp 7-26 . Full book available at http://132.187.160.5/PSY2-PHP/index.php?Seite=book
ABSTRACT
Happiness is a longstanding theme in Western thought. It came under scrutiny in the
following three periods: (1) Antique Greek philosophy; (2) Post-Enlightenment
West-European moral philosophy, Utilitarianism in particular; and (3) Current
Quality-of-Life research in the rich welfare states. Printed reflections on all this
contemplation now fill a hundred meters of bookshelves.
This paper takes stock of the progress made on seven classical topics. Are we now any
wiser? Or is Dodge (1930) right in his contention that "the theory of the happy life
has remained on about the same level that the ancient Greeks left it"? This inventory
will differ from the usual review articles. The focus will not be on current technical
research issues, but rather on the broader questions that prompted the enquiry.
Furthermore, the aim is not only to enumerate advances in understanding, but also to mark
the blind spots.
The following issues will be considered:
1) What is happiness?
2) Can happiness be
measured?
3) Is unhappiness the rule?
4) How do people assess their happiness?
5) What
conditions favour happiness?
6) Can happiness be promoted?
7) Should happiness be
promoted?