Description
When Thomas Jefferson placed 'the pursuit of happiness' along with life and liberty in The Declaration of Independence he was most likely referring to Aristotle's concept of happiness, or eudaimonia. Eudaimonia is not about good feelings but rather the fulfilment of human potentials. Fulfilment is made possible by virtue; the moderation of desire and emotion by reason. The Psychology of Happiness was the first book to bring together psychological, philosophical, and physiological theory and research in support of Aristotle's view. It examines the similarity between Aristotle's concept of virtue and modern cognitive theories of emotion. It discusses the discovery of human potentials, the development of virtue and its neurological basis, the mistaken idea that fulfilment is selfish, and several other issues related to the pursuit of a good human life.
The Psychology of Happiness brings together a wide array of psychological theory and research supporting Aristotle's fulfilment view of happiness.
About the Author
Samuel S. Franklin is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at California State University, Fresno. His work has focused on visual perception, motivation, the history of psychology, and the psychology of happiness. He began teaching the psychology of happiness in the late 1970s and was one of the first to do so. His research on Aristotle's view of happiness has been presented at conferences, and he has published several articles in the area of visual perception.
Reviews
'Franklin ... reaches his own synthesis of Aristotle's philosophy and scientific psychology. This means that this book is suited for at least two audiences. It is an excellent introduction to Aristotle's philosophy and the ideas in psychology, which are relevant for thinking about the good life. Above that it is interesting for people who look for a synthesis in the burgeoning field of happiness research, and who do not like the hedonistic variants of happiness.' Ad Bergsma, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Book Information
ISBN 9780521138673
Author Samuel S. Franklin
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 231mm * 152mm * 12mm
The Psychology of Happiness brings together a wide array of psychological theory and research supporting Aristotle's fulfilment view of happiness.
About the Author
Samuel S. Franklin is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at California State University, Fresno. His work has focused on visual perception, motivation, the history of psychology, and the psychology of happiness. He began teaching the psychology of happiness in the late 1970s and was one of the first to do so. His research on Aristotle's view of happiness has been presented at conferences, and he has published several articles in the area of visual perception.
Reviews
'Franklin ... reaches his own synthesis of Aristotle's philosophy and scientific psychology. This means that this book is suited for at least two audiences. It is an excellent introduction to Aristotle's philosophy and the ideas in psychology, which are relevant for thinking about the good life. Above that it is interesting for people who look for a synthesis in the burgeoning field of happiness research, and who do not like the hedonistic variants of happiness.' Ad Bergsma, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Book Information
ISBN 9780521138673
Author Samuel S. Franklin
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 231mm * 152mm * 12mm
