ABSTRACT
Economists, sociologists, and psychologists have developed various theories about happiness and well-being. This chapter sketches some reflections that show how valuable a pragmatist approach to economic issues concerning happiness would be. It explains an integrated account of human conduct, which may profitably contribute to the current process of rethinking the notion of the individual. The basic idea behind the proposal is that a pragmatist approach, more precisely Meadian and Neo-Meadian approaches, would offer a theoretical framework that could resolve the tension between a hedonic and a eudaimonic idea of happiness. According to Mead, individuals acquire their identity through communication processes in which the organized community or social group gives individuals their unity as Selves. A parallel between Mead and neuroscience will therefore shed light on some topical economic issues concerning people's social attitudes. Examining in depth the bio-social basis of empathy would permit people to link the bio-psychological approach to human economic behavior to an ethical approach to it.
