Survey data permanently settles philosophical question

In news from the emerging field of happiness research, a recent study shows a strong correlation between material goods and objective factors (like high levels of sunlight in a given geography) and subjective ratings of happiness.  (The link is to a methodological objection to the study itself, which as a purely qualitative public philosopher I’m not qualified to adjudicate).

I should say that I always find it odd when studies of this nature begin with “philosophers have debated since ancient times…”, as if the interesting philosophical debate revolves around positive survey data rather than normative judgments of what happiness should mean.

But come on, even Seneca would have bowed to materialism if he had seen the new iPad, right??

-John

Related posts:

  1. Stoicism and the housing crisis
  2. No philosophical shift
  3. McNamara’s philosophical roots
  4. Skirting the real question
  5. We the people

January 28, 2010 · Filed Under History of Political Thought, John

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