A Philosophy for the Science of Well-Being - Softcover

Alexandrova, Anna

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9780197598894: A Philosophy for the Science of Well-Being
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0197598897 ISBN 13: 9780197598894
Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2021

Synopsis

Well-being, happiness and quality of life are now established objects of social and medical research. Does this science produce knowledge that is properly about well-being? What sort of well-being? The definition and measurement of these objects rest on assumptions that are partly normative, partly empirical and partly pragmatic, producing a great diversity of definitions depending on the project and the discipline. This book, written from the perspective of philosophy of science, formulates principles for the responsible production and interpretation of this diverse knowledge. Traditionally, philosophers' goal has been a single concept of well-being and a single theory about what it consists in. But for science this goal is both unlikely and unnecessary. Instead the promise and authority of the science depends on it focusing on the well-being of specific kinds of people in specific contexts. Skeptical arguments notwithstanding, this contextual well-being can be measured in a valid and credible way - but only if scientists broaden their methods to make room for normative considerations and address publicly and inclusively the value-based conflicts that inevitably arise when a measure of well-being is adopted. The science of well-being can be normative, empirical and objective all at once, provided that we line up values to science and science to values.

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About the Author

Anna Alexandrova is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy of Science at University of Cambridge and a Fellow of King's College, having previously taught at the University of Missouri St Louis. She writes on philosophy of social sciences, especially economic modelling, explanation, and the sciences of well-being. She was a recipient of the Philosophy of Science Association Recent PhD Essay Prize.

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Publisher
Oxford University Press
Publication date
2021
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0197598897
ISBN 13 
9780197598894
Binding
Paperback
Number of pages
248
Rating
  • 4.31 out of 5 stars
    13 ratings by Goodreads

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780199300518: A Philosophy for the Science of Well-Being

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0199300518 ISBN 13:  9780199300518
Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2017
Hardcover