Is the study of Happiness a Worthy Scientific Pursuit?

• Previous thought on happiness concluded that investigation into this area was indulgent, and the in the instance of maslow's hierarchy, lower level needs (safety, survival, belonging) were more pertinent and achievement of those would ultimately lead to happiness.
• Set point theory – individual happiness levels are static despite external circumstances
• Is the pursuit of happiness a luxury when viewed against suffering?
• scientific definition could be a) cognitive component overall life satisfaction b) affective (concerned with the change of emotions) : contrasting positive/negative affective attributes

Definitions

Hedonistic - good experiences and sense pleasure outweigh painful experiences Eudaimonic - realisation of personal potential

full happiness occurs when life activities coincide with most profound personal values resulting in authentic experiences and aliveness

autonomy, growth, self-acceptance, life purpose, environmental mastery, positive relation to others are the key aspects of fulfilling ones 'daimon'

happiness does not result from the pursuit of pleasure but by addressing many aspects of ones personality

• pleasant life - maximises pleasure & positive experiences
• good life - develop key abilities in activities one has deep interest in
• meaningful life - developing strengths in activities that contribute to experiences outside themselves, ie the community

• Flow theory can be integrated into a possible pathway to happiness, where flow is the deep engagement in an activity where peak experience occurs from accomplishing a clear goal, intense concentration, loss of time -- expanding experience of happiness beyond a pleasure state