Michael Bishop's The Good Life: Unifying the Philosophy and Psychology of Well-Being hopefully represents a turning point in the study of well-being
Mark Fabian, Journal of Happiness Studies
Bishop (Florida State Univ.) takes a reasoned and calm interdisciplinary look at both attempts, and posits a novel bridge that can serve as a path to continued dialogue... This volume is an important addition to both psychology and philosophy. Recommended.
Choice
This is the very best sort of interdisciplinary scholarship, in service of theory that is both philosophically and empirically perspicuous. Well-being is a topic of obvious philosophical interest, and psychological research on the subject is endlessly fascinating. The Good Life is a novel and substantial contribution to a burgeoning field, and will interest a broad range of philosophers, psychologists, and political theorists. For anyone wondering about the new 'science of happiness,' an indispensable volume."
John Doris, Washington University in St. Louis
This important and engaging book brings a fresh perspective to the study of well-being. Michael Bishop proposes a new inclusive approach that takes the investigation into the nature of well-being to be a genuinely interdisciplinary venture, requiring the talents of both philosophers and scientists. Using this inclusive approach, Bishop defends an original and compelling theory of well-being, the network theory. Psychologists and philosophers interested in well-being will benefit equally from this book, which offers a walkable path out of troubling theoretical disorder and frustrating philosophical stalemate.
Valerie Tiberius, University of Minnesota
...the most significant addition to the philosophical bestiary is Michael A. Bishop's network theory of well-being, which he defends in this important new book...This is a marvelous book, made all the more so by its plain-spoken, good humored and concise exposition...I heartily recommend it for anyone interested in the philosophy or science of well-being."- - Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews Online
This is an admirable project.
Sean Meseroll, Philosophical Quarterly