ABSTRACT

Can we teach others how to lead a fulfilling life? The notion of personal well-being has recently shot up the political and educational agendas, placing the child's well-being at the heart of the school’s task.

With his renowned talent for distilling the most complex of philosophical arguments into accessible laymen's terms, John White addresses the maze of issues surrounding well-being, bringing clarity to this dissension and confusion. This accessible book expertly guides you through the conflicting perspectives on well-being found in the educational world by

* Examining religious and secular views of human fulfilment and of a meaningful life.

* Analysing the appeal of celebrity, wealth and consumerism to so

many of our children.

* Asking what role pleasure, success, autonomy, work,

life-planning and worthwhile activities play in children's flourishing.

* Showing how proposals to encourage children's well-being impact on schools' aims and learning arrangements.

Whether you have little background in education and philosophy or are reading as a teacher, student or policy maker, this engaging book will take you right to the heart of these critical issues. It will leave you with a sharply-focused picture of a remodelled educational system fit for our new millennium, committed to helping every child to enjoy a fulfilling life.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

part |2 pages

PART 1 Well-being education, step by step

chapter 2|5 pages

Initial questions

chapter 3|7 pages

Well-being: some religious legacies

chapter 4|6 pages

Well-being and need satisfaction

chapter 5|8 pages

Fame, wealth and positional goods

chapter 6|7 pages

A life of pleasure

chapter 7|10 pages

Getting what we want

chapter 8|10 pages

Worthwhile activities

chapter 9|9 pages

Work and well-being

chapter 11|10 pages

Are there experts on well-being?

chapter 12|11 pages

Depth without spirituality?

chapter 13|4 pages

The meaning of life

part |2 pages

PART 2 Education for well-being: the way forward

chapter 14|3 pages

What well-being is: a summary

chapter 15|5 pages

Well-being for all in a more equal society

chapter 16|16 pages

Education for well-being: the wider picture