William Edelglass—The Genealogy of Happiness: From Aristotle to Positive Psychology
What is happiness? Can it be measured? And what is the relationship between happiness and virtue, money, pleasure, relationships, mindfulness, and satisfaction?
This program began with an overview of different conceptions of happiness in Western philosophy, religion, and political theory. He then turned to the numerous claims about what makes us happy based on the results of “the new science of happiness.”
The program concluded by reflecting on the findings of positive psychology in the context of the history of the idea of happiness.
William Edelglass teaches philosophy, environmental studies, and Buddhist studies at Marlboro College. He was also recently appointed the Director of Studies at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.