Biology of Happiness - new book

Book in our database since 2012-10-21T10:17:38+01:00 (London)
Detail page last modified on 2023-07-23T06:05:59+01:00 (London)
ISBN/EAN: 9789400743939

ISBN - alternate spelling:
94-007-4393-9, 978-94-007-4393-9
Alternate spelling and related search-keywords:
Book author: grin
Book title: sometimes happiness

Information from Publisher

Author: Bjørn Grinde
Title: SpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research; The Biology of Happiness
Publisher: Springer; Springer Netherland
109 Pages
Publishing year: 2012-03-30
Dordrecht; NL
Language: English
64,19 € (DE)
66,00 € (AT)
71,00 CHF (CH)
Available
X, 109 p. 29 illus.

EA; E107; eBook; Nonbooks, PBS / Medizin/Allgemeines; Persönliche Gesundheit und Gesundheitswesen / Gesundheitserziehung; Verstehen; Darwinian Happiness; Deeper understanding of Happiness; Evolutionary Neurobiology; Happiness on an evolutionary perspective; Human Capacity for Happiness; Quality of Life and Well-Being Research; C; Quality of Life Research; Neuropsychology; Social Sciences; Biopsychologie, Physiologische Psychologie, Neuropsychologie; BC

The brief presents a model for happiness based on current knowledge in evolutionary biology and neurobiology. Briefly, the primary purpose of nervous systems is to direct an animal toward behaviour relevant for survival and procreation. In primitive animals actions are based on reflexes, while in humans the modules directing behaviour engage positive and negative affect (good and bad feelings), and they are swayed by cognitive processes. The reason why evolution opted for this strategy was the improved flexibility in response – i.e., we learn from previous experiences. The human capacity for happiness is an accidental consequence.

An array of brain modules has evolved to care for various pursuits, but recent studies suggest that they converge on shared neural circuits designed to generate positive and negative mood. Happiness can be construed as the net output of the relevant modules. The briefs suggests a strategy for how to avoid having negative feelings (such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain) dominate the mind, and how to exercise positive feelings. In short, the book offers both a deeper understanding of what happiness is about, and a framework for improving well-being.

An array of brain modules has evolved to care for various pursuits, but recent studies suggest that they converge on shared neural circuits designed to generate positive and negative mood. Happiness can be construed as the net output of the relevant modules. The book suggests a strategy for how to avoid having negative feelings (such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain) dominate the mind, and how to exercise positive feelings. In short, the book offers both a deeper understanding of what happiness is about, and a framework for improving well-being.

Preface.- Chapter 1. Introduction: From Philosophy to science.- Chapter 2. Evolution of Nervous Systems.- Chapter 3. The Human Brain.- Chapter 4. Mental Health.- Chapter 5. How to improve Happiness.- Chapter 6. The Politics of Happiness.- Chapter 7. Concluding Remarks.- References.-

 – a book that suggests how the biological perspective can be used for guidance in living.

The book presents a model for happiness based on current knowledge in evolutionary biology and neurobiology. Briefly, the primary purpose of nervous systems is to direct an animal toward behaviour relevant for survival and procreation. In primitive animals actions are based on reflexes, while in humans the modules directing behaviour engage positive and negative affect (good and bad feelings), and they are swayed by cognitive processes. The reason why evolution opted for this strategy was the improved flexibility in response – i.e., we learn from previous experiences. The human capacity for happiness is an accidental consequence.

An array of brain modules has evolved to care for various pursuits, but recent studies suggest that they converge on shared neural circuits designed to generate positive and negative mood. Happiness can be construed as the net output of the relevant modules. The book suggests a strategy for how to avoid having negative feelings (such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain) dominate the mind, and how to exercise positive feelings. In short, the book offers both a deeper understanding of what happiness is about, and a framework for improving well-being.

An array of brain modules has evolved to care for various pursuits, but recent studies suggest that they converge on shared neural circuits designed to generate positive and negative mood. Happiness can be construed as the net output of the relevant modules. The book suggests a strategy for how to avoid having negative feelings (such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain) dominate the mind, and how to exercise positive feelings. In short, the book offers both a deeper understanding of what happiness is about, and a framework for improving well-being.