What's wrong with happiness?

Article

Rustin, M. 2007. What's wrong with happiness? Soundings: A Journal of Politics and Culture.
AuthorsRustin, M.
Abstract

In this article Michael Rustin argues that greater well-being is unlikely to be promoted in a system whose main goal is increased economic efficiency. He reviews debates concerning the existence of separate measures of public happiness and income levels. He then discusses whether increased ‘happiness’, with its philosophical origins in utilitarianism, is the best way of framing the idea of the good for individuals and societies. Finally, he focusses on the way in which Richard Layard has framed these questions, particularly on the way in which he addresses the problems of mental health by means of his proposal for a large-scale programme of cognitive behaviour therapy.

Keywordscognitive behaviour therapy; happiness; economic efficiency; political theory; socialism; income levels; Richard Layard; mental health
JournalSoundings: A Journal of Politics and Culture
ISSN1362-6620
Year2007
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY-ND
Web address (URL)http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/lwish/sou/2007/00000036/00000001/art00006
Publication dates
PrintJul 2007
Publication process dates
Deposited08 Oct 2009
Additional information

Citation:
Rustin, M. (2007) ‘What's wrong with happiness?’ Soundings 36, July pp. 67-84.

Page range67-84
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License: CC BY-ND

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