The Pursuit of Happiness and the Traditions of Wisdom

Vincenzo M.B. Giorgino (ed.) sociologist, University of Torino Aggregate Professor of Economic Sociology. Since 1998 he focused his interests on the integration of contemplative knowledge and social sciences in teaching and research, at theoretical and methodological levels.

This book presents a discussion of happiness that takes the shape of a dialogue between contemplative knowledge and practice or the wisdom traditions and the social sciences. It examines the different definitions of happiness in relation to wisdom traditions and the impact of these traditions on current research. It explores topics such as the pursuit of a good life, the pursuit of eudaimonia and the meaning of economic and social suffering from the perspective of the social sciences. It further discusses how the social sciences can meet people's aspirations towards a world of higher well-being in our time, and what the future challenges are. The book includes both theoretical and empirical contributions on the matter and opens up a new line of transdisciplinary research. Overcoming barriers between disciplines and fields of knowledge, the book presents a beneficial cross-fertilization to achieve a wiser model of man.

Offers a multidisciplinary reflection on a central and fundamental issue in life

Preface; Marina Nuciari.- Introduction; Vincenzo M.B. Giorgino.- Chapter 1. Classic Beliefs about Ways to Happiness. How Do They Apply Today?; Ruut Veenhoven.- Chapter 2. More Methodological Problems in Measuring Happiness, Life Satisfaction and Well-Being: Some First Empirical Results; Anna Maffioletti, Agata Maida and Francesco Scacciati.- Chapter 3. Happiness-Freedom. Who Suffers? From Dukkha to Samadhi; Serge Kolm.- Chapter 4. Dharma and Economics; Roberto Burlando.- Chapter 5. Happiness is an Art of Living. Towards a Contemplative Perspective on Economy as Relational Work; Vincenzo M.B. Giorgino.- Author biographies.