About the project
Modeling Human Happiness is an interdisciplinary research project that integrates insights from philosophy and psychology to develop innovative scientific models of happiness to inform research, public debate and policymaking. A modern perspective that is overly individualistic and subjectivist limits contemporary happiness research. Our core strategy is to examine ancient philosophical conceptions of happiness in order to develop new scientific models. Specifically, we aim to develop models of happiness as:
(a) fundamentally social;
(b) inherently value-laden;
(c) a function of human nature, and;
(d) a temporally extended, dynamic activity.
These models are then operationalised as empirically testable metrics for measuring happiness and tested so as to determine underlying structures, and the causal mechanisms involved - including the role of genetic and environmental factors. This end result will provide vital knowledge about the sources of happiness, and lay the groundwork for innovative interventions to sustain and improve happiness.
See our research agenda for more details about the project goals.
If you would like to be invited to events and get updates on our research, we can add you to our mailing list. Send an e-mail to p.f.s.kvarberg@ifikk.uio.no and we will add you to the list.
Financing and duration
The project is financed by the Norwegian Research Council through a 'Fellesløft' grant (contract nr. 325898) for the duration of 01.08.22 - 31.7.27.