Ruut Veenhoven
Ethiek & Maatschappij, Themanummer Geluk & Politiek, 12: 25-50. ISSN: 1373-0975
ENGLISH ABSTRACT
These days, there is growing support for the idea that social policy should aim at greater happiness for a greater number. This come-back is accompanied by a revival of the discussion on utilitarian moral philosophy and of rule-utilitarianism in particular. Critics argue that greater happiness for a greater number of people is neither possible nor desirable. This paper considers their objections in the light of social scientific research on happiness in the sense of life-satisfaction. It appears that the objections do not apply for this kind of happiness.