TEHRAN – A Persian translation of American philosopher Lorraine L. Besser’s book “The Philosophy of Happiness: An Interdisciplinary Introduction” has recently been published by Doxa Publications in Tehran.

Parvaneh Yousefi is the translator of the book first released in 2020. 
 
In this book, Besser delves into the complex, multi-faceted subject of happiness. With an interdisciplinary approach, she explores the philosophical theories, psychological studies, and sociological perspectives surrounding the age-old question of what truly brings happiness to individuals and societies.

Besser investigates various philosophical schools of thought, such as hedonism, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics, to examine their interpretations of happiness. She critically assesses their concepts of pleasure, personal fulfillment, and moral virtues, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of happiness.

Drawing heavily on psychological research, Besser highlights the significance of subjective well-being, positive emotions, and mindfulness in the pursuit of happiness. She explores the intricate relationship between happiness and factors like genetic predispositions, social connections, and self-perception, shedding light on how these elements shape our overall well-being.

Considering the societal dimensions of happiness, Besser delves into sociology and explores the impact of social structures, cultural norms, and inequalities on individuals' happiness. She also critically examines the role of material wealth and economic factors in fostering happiness, questioning the prevailing assumptions and offering alternative perspectives.

Throughout the book, Besser encourages readers to critically reflect on their own notions of happiness, challenging common preconceptions and offering thought-provoking insights. By bringing together philosophy, psychology, and sociology, she provides a rich and interdisciplinary exploration into the complex nature of happiness, empowering readers to evaluate and cultivate their own paths to a truly fulfilling life.

Lorraine Besser holds a Ph.D in philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research primarily focuses on moral psychology, with a particular emphasis on happiness and well-being. Her work incorporates findings from psychological and neuroscientific research to explore these topics in depth. She has authored the book "Eudaimonic Ethics: The Philosophy and Psychology of Living Well" (2014) and co-edited the "Routledge Companion to Virtue Ethics" (2015). Her published works encompass journal articles and book chapters that cover a wide range of subjects.

Besser's expertise extends to teaching courses on happiness and well-being, ethical theory, applied ethics, and early modern philosophy, providing students with a well-rounded education in these areas.

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