ABSTRACT

This chapter provides an overview of relevant positive psychology research to allow for a more detailed comparison with philosophical concepts of the art of living, which will be conducted. It focuses on Martin Seligman's book Authentic Happiness, which provides a good overview of positive psychology. The chapter discusses relevant aspects of positive psychology in relation to the art of living, including the positive impact of various emotions on one's health and one's satisfaction with life, as well as the concept of flow, which leads to enjoyment and a long-lasting increase of one's overall level of happiness in life. Psychology is traditionally a science concerned with the question of what is wrong with people. The art of living, on the other hand, is more concerned about how to get it right. One common objection against the research and measurement of happiness is an assumed lack of definition of happiness to meet philosophical standards.