THE CROSSROADS BETWEEN
HAPPINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY
The Cato Institute seeks to broaden the parameters of public policy debate to allow consideration of the traditional American principles of limited government, individual liberty, free markets and peace. Toward that goal, the Institute strives to achieve greater involvement of the intelligent, concerned lay public in questions of policy and the proper role of government.
Researchers at Cato Unbound are having an ongoing discussion on how the new field of happiness research can influence public policy. Read and comment on their essays at cato-unbound.org :
The Pursuit of Happiness in Perspective by Darrin M. McMahon
The Data Tell a Different Story by Ruut Veenhoven
The Quest for a Scientific Politics of Happiness by Will Wilkinson
Reasoned Evaluation or Blind Faith? How Should States Determine Policy? by Barry Schwartz
Happiness as an Input to Political Deliberation by Will Wilkinson
Policy Trade-Offs, Justice, and Happiness by Darrin M. McMahon
Virtue, Pleasure, and Paternalism in Happiness Policy by Darrin M. McMahon
What Public Policy Can Add to Happiness by Ruut Veenhoven
The Place of Happiness in Pluralism by Ruut Veenhoven
Happiness & Public Policy, a blog from Will Wilkinson
Will Wilkinson is a policy analyst working on a wide range of issues from the moral dimensions of Social Security reform to the policy implications of the psychology of happiness. Prior to joining Cato, Wilkinson was the academic coordinator of the Social Change Project and the Global Prosperity Initiative for the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where his work concentrated on the mechanisms of social change and the role of institutions in economic development. He has also served as a program director for the Institute for Humane Studies. Wilkinson's writing has appeared in Reason, Policy, Prospect, Slate, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Australian Financial Review and other publications.
Archived Categories: Happiness Strategies; Happiness; Definitions; Economics; Government; Methodology; Political Philosophy; Progress
New Economics Foundation (NEF)
NEF is an independent think-and-do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being. We aim to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues. We work in partnership and put people and the planet first. nef was founded in 1986 by the leaders of The Other Economic Summit (TOES) which forced issues such as international debt onto the agenda of the G7 and G8 summits. We are unique in combining rigorous analysis and policy debate with practical solutions on the ground, often run and designed with the help of local people. We also create new ways of measuring progress towards increased well-being and environmental sustainability. NEF works with all sections of society in the UK and internationally - civil society, government, individuals, businesses and academia - to create more understanding and strategies for change.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
The OECD brings together the governments of countries committed to democracy and the market economy from around the world to: Support sustainable economic growth; Boost employment; Raise living standards; Maintain financial stability; Assist other countries' economic development; Contribute to growth in world trade. The OECD also shares expertise and exchanges views with more than 100 other countries and economies, from Brazil, China, and Russia to the least developed countries in Africa.