Book Review: Law and Happiness, Edited by Eric A. Posner and Cass R. Sunstein, the University of Chicago Press, Chicago and London, 2010

27 Pages Posted: 28 Sep 2010

See all articles by Jeffrey Lynch Harrison

Jeffrey Lynch Harrison

University of Florida Levin College of Law

Date Written: September 28, 2010

Abstract

This review examines why it is difficult to discuss happiness and the issued that arise in any such discussion. It also identifies the overall themes found in Law and Happiness. Indeed, even the use of the word “happiness” as a topic is terribly imprecise. What it means may vary from reader to reader. Then the review assesses how this collection of writings can assist in linking one notion or another of happiness with actual policy. Ultimately, whether intentionally or not, the collection reveals how far we are from a consensus on what should count in an assessment of happiness and how much enhancing happiness, however defined, can be used in determining policy. Thus, although, the individual contributions to Law and Happiness are of the highest quality, together they illustrate there is much work still left to be done.

Keywords: Sunstein, happiness, efficiency, relative deprivation, hedonic

JEL Classification: A11, A14, D70

Suggested Citation

Harrison, Jeffrey Lynch, Book Review: Law and Happiness, Edited by Eric A. Posner and Cass R. Sunstein, the University of Chicago Press, Chicago and London, 2010 (September 28, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1684266 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1684266

Jeffrey Lynch Harrison (Contact Author)

University of Florida Levin College of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 117625
Gainesville, FL 32611-7625
United States

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