Happiness and Education

This book explores what we might teach if we take happiness seriously as an aim of education.

Nel Noddings (Author)

9780521614726, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 December 2004

320 pages
22.7 x 15.4 x 2 cm, 0.48 kg

'this is a revolutionary book. If educators were to accept its premise and be guided by its arguments, those involved in educating children and youth would have to dramatically rethink what they need and want to accomplish with their students. they would restructure what they do in the class room, not only the content but also the interactions they have with students.' American Journal of Psychology

When parents are asked what they want for their children, they usually answer that they want their children to be happy. Why, then, is happiness rarely mentioned as an aim of education? This book explores what we might teach if we were to take happiness seriously as an aim of education. It asks, first, what it means to be happy and, second, how we can help children to understand what happiness is. It notes that, to be truly happy, we have to develop a capacity for unhappiness and a willingness to alleviate the suffering of others. Criticizing the present almost exclusive emphasis on economic well-being and pleasure, it discusses the contributions of making a home, parenting, cherishing a place, development of character, interpersonal growth, finding work that one loves, and participating in a democratic way of life. Finally, it explores ways in which to make schools and classrooms happy places.

Part I. Happiness as an Aim of Life and Education: 1. Happiness
2. Suffering and unhappiness
3. Needs and wants
4. The aims of education
Part II. Educating for Personal Life: 5. Making a home
6. Places and nature
7. Parenting
8. Character and spirituality
9. Interpersonal growth
Part III. Educating for Public Life: 10. Preparing for work
11. Community, democracy, and service
12. Happiness in schools and classrooms
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM], Philosophy [HP]