The Pursuit of Unhappiness

this is a wonderfully stimulationg, highly original book. * Jennifer Hawkins, Journal of Utilitas *
Haybron's book is addressed both to philosophers and to a wider audience of non-specialists. It is written with exemplary clarity and precision. The argument is carefully constructed and supported by a mix of telling examples, illuminating analysis and deft use of empirical research. Haybron is scrupulously honest in assessing the impact of his arguments: his conclusions are carefully nuanced. The result is an engaging and throught-provoking discussion, which poses some penetrating questions for ethicists, political philosophers and psychologists... rich and stimulating * Carolyn Price, Philosophy *
An original and thorough investigation, richly informed by empirical psychology, of almost every topic connected, or seen as connected, with happiness: the self, well-being and virtue, and the good society. It is written in an engaging, often humorous, sometimes poetic, style, and contains a wealth of illustrations from life, literature, film, science, the arts, the news media, and Haybron's own prodigious imagination... It is safe to say that, after this book, happiness will never be the same again. * Neera Badhwar, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
Subtitled 'the elusive pscychology of well-being', this is a brilliant and comprehensive philosophical treatment of happiness in the psychological sense... The book calls us to rethink our assumptions about the good life and the good society, raising many of the questions explored by Aldous Huxley in Brave New World and Island. All this raises interesting and complex questions for politicians and educationalist as they grapple with introducing happiness studies into the curriculum. * Psychology/Parasychology *
Insightful and imaginative. A serious pleasurable read for those happy enough to explore a difficult subject. * Paul O'Doherty, Irish Times *
Dan Haybron asks the key philosophical questions about happiness: what is happiness, and how can we know about it, and what is it good for? His book offers insightful answers that are well-grounded in both science and philosophy. The book is full of clear and rigorous arguments, but at the same time it is a pleasure to read. It will be a milestone in the philosophical discussion of happiness. * David Chalmers, Australian National University *
Dan Haybron has written the definitive philosophical book on happiness, and it is a must-read for scholars of the good life. The work is broad, balanced, and interesting, and yet forcefully presents the case that happiness is a crucial element of good living. In making the argument, Haybron beautifully reviews both the philosophy of happiness, including what this concept means, and the empirical work on the topics arising in fields such as psychology and economics. * Ed Diener, University of Illinois *
Both progress and provocation are vibrantly on display in Dan Haybron's oustanding new book, The Pursuit of Unhappiness. The book is a model of humanistic inquiry: acute philosophical argumentation disciplined by close and careful attention to the latest and best in the sciences of mind, everywhere textured by a keen eye for what it is to be a person - and why it matters. * John M. Doris, Washington University in St Louis *
A prodigious act of scholarship whose comprehensiveness dwarfs previous efforts. The best single source for empirical and philosophical approaches to investigating happiness. A highly nuanced treatment that rewards the reader with its frequent and original insights. * Robert L. Woolfolk, Princeton University *
Haybron's book is a perfect example of how philosophical ethics can matter beyond the academy as well as within it. This original book is an acute, engaging, and well-informed discussion of an issue of concern to every human being. * Roger Crisp, University of Oxford *
Daniel Haybron has written a rare book that combines philosophical sophistication with detailed knowledge of, and respect for, the psychological literature. He integrates the best that philosophy and psychology have to offer in pursuit of an answer to the question that matters above all others: how we ought to live. The result is a book that will edify psychologists and philosophers alike. * Barry Schwartz, Swarthmore College *
Haybron's treatment of the much exercised concept of happiness...is learned, thoughtful, up to date and illuminating. * Max Hocutt, The Philosophical Quarterly. *
This is a very impressive text; rich in argument, empirical psychological findings, and insight. * Daniel O'Brien, Metapsychology Online Reviews. *
[This book] takes the reader on an emotionally charged journey... it is a passionate manifesto... Also remarkable is the scope of the discussion, which ranges from philosophical methodology and metaphysics to social science and policy.... Top-notch philosophy. * Anna Alexandrova, Ethics. *
Haybron's book is an excellent introduction to the problems of happiness and well-being. Though it is written in a rigorous analytic style, behind it there is a praiseworthy moral concern * Pierluigi Barrotta, Economics and Philosophy *