Happiness and the Limits of Satisfaction

by Deal W. Hudson

Overview

In classical and medieval times, happiness was defined as 'well-being,' a notion that included moral goodness. Today happiness is most often defined as 'well-feeling,' and identified with subjective states such as satisfaction and peace of mind. Deal Hudson argues that the prevailing view is dangerous in politics as well as ethics, creating individuals with no other sense of obligation than finding personal satisfaction, regardless of the moral and spiritual cost to themselves and others. Hudson calls for a return to the classical tradition: no one should be called 'happy' who cannot also be called morally good. However, a contemporary version of happiness should also go beyond the classical notion by making room in the happy life for suffering and passion. Using the history of the idea of happiness as a backdrop to a critique of contemporary views, Hudson examines happiness from philosophical, religious, psychological, sociological, literary, and political points of view—for example, he shows how the tension between the two definitions of happiness is at the heart of the Declaration of Independence. The result is an excellent overview of the history of an idea as well as a compelling argument for moral and political change in our time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847681402
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	12/19/1995
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.96(h) x 0.68(d)

About the Author

Deal W. Hudson is the editor of the magazine Crisis and former Associate Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University. He is the editor of Sigrid Undset on Saints and Sinners and co-editor, with Dennis Moran of The Future of Thomism, among other books.

What People are Saying About This

Vera Lex

Happiness and the Limits of Satisfaction comes as a pleasant surprise . . . Hudson's reliance on the natural law tradition makes his book an important addition to the growing scholarly literature on the natural law.
— John B. Killoran, King's College, London

Editorial Reviews

.. . lucid and penetrating. .. the most important contribution of the book lies in its subtle and effective restoration of eudaemonistic ethics. . .This is a work that deserves to be read and pondered by specialists and laymen alike. Its publication should be greeted with enthusiasm.

Crisis

Happiness and the Limits of Satisfaction comes as a pleasant surprise. .. Hudson's reliance on the natural law tradition makes his book an important addition to the growing scholarly literature on the natural law.

Vera Lex - John B. Killoran

Hudson criticizes the popular

Subjectivist

Excellent book. . .

The Philosophical Quarterly

.. . an invaluable account of the anthropology of the virtues. This highly readable essay is a prerequisite for all students, whether in philosophy or theology, who want to learn about classical virtue theory.

Romanus Cessario

Professor Hudson's insightful examination of both ancient and contemporary theories of happiness affords the reader a correct understanding of happiness which is indispensable to our living a whole good life. This book cannot be too highly recommended.

Mortimer J. Adler