REFLEXÕES SOBRE FELICIDADE E INFELICIDADE A PARTIR DAS CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA FILOSOFIA, PSICOLOGIA E PEDAGOGIA

Abstract

The concept of happiness is object of research since ancient times. It seems that all human beings are seeking happiness. Throughout the History, philosophers, psychologists and thinkers are committed to explore the matter. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, dedicated himself to the theme and considers happiness as the ultimate purpose that curtails all the other purposes. According to Sigmund Freud, psyche and civilization are constituted in such a way that they make the goal of happiness unattainable. For La Taille, on the other hand, happiness is related to ethical training, to life with a personal and collective meaning, which inevitably brings us to educational training. For Freire, education transforms and emancipates people and, thus, promotes their full freedom, happiness and citizenship. Some countries bring the theme of happiness in their constitutional principles, such as the United States' declaration of independence, which ensures the pursuit of happiness as an inalienable right. Currently, there are indexes to measure the level of happiness of the populations, based in various indicators, such as economic, social, subjective, among others. Due to the complexity of the subject, some questions persist: what is happiness? How can it be achieved? Is it possible to avoid unhappiness? Can education contribute to building a happier society? Form these questions on, this article thinks over the idea of happiness and unhappiness in contemporary society, based on philosophical, psychological and pedagogical dimensions.

Keywords: Happiness, Philosophy, Psychology, Education, Life Project.