Abstract
This essay discerns themes in the interdisciplinary study of happiness. We distinguish between the concepts of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness, as well as the concepts of well-being and quality of life. We also discuss the role of some determinants of happiness (income, relationships, life phase, geography and religion). We conclude by suggesting points of contact (the flourishing agent, determinants of happiness, anamnesis and eschatology, and the quest for meaning) where theological engagement can significantly clarify and enrich the happiness discourse.
Highlights
In recent decades, the theme of happiness has expanded its reach beyond the usual discussion in philosophy, literature and art to an ever-increasing range of scientific disciplines
We conclude by suggesting points of contact where theological engagement can significantly clarify and enrich the happiness discourse
Durayappah gives credence to research suggesting that individuals may have a certain “set-point” of subjective well-being to which they keep returning as a kind of default position after adapting to positive or negative events in their environment
Summary
The theme of happiness has expanded its reach beyond the usual discussion in philosophy, literature and art to an ever-increasing range of scientific disciplines. Institutions like the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation and the dedicated Journal of Happiness Studies positively contributed to this assessment of the state of knowledge on the subject of happiness. With the development of interdisciplinary discourses on happiness, controversy intensified on what really constitutes this seemingly elusive state of mind. In this essay we discern trends in this field of “happiness science”, with a particular focus on sources from experimental psychology as published in journals like the Journal of Happiness Studies, and find points of contact for theological contribution to this discourse Van der Merwe STJ 2015, Vol 1, No 1, 291–319 experience, an emotion (like contentment, optimism or euphoria), is it hope or meaning, is it a state of mind or a set of values and an ethical disposition? In this essay we discern trends in this field of “happiness science”, with a particular focus on sources from experimental psychology as published in journals like the Journal of Happiness Studies, and find points of contact for theological contribution to this discourse
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