The best within us : positive psychology perspectives on eudaimonia /

Waterman's The Best within Us was written to increase dialogue between psychologists and philosophers on themes such as subjective, psychological, and eudaemonic well-being, happiness, flourishing, and self-realization. "Eudaimonia" is defined throughout this volume as the combination of flourishing, realizing potentials that reflect one's true self, and the happiness obtained from the pursuit of virtue and excellence. The book starts with discussions of how eudaimonia has been conceptualized in philosophy and how well-being has been treated and measured in psychology. Subsequent chapters explore self-determination as it relates to flourishing, the philosophical foundations of psychological well-being, and how these in turn relate to the process of setting personal goals and values. Issues such as the finding meaning and passionate involvement in life are considered before the book shifts to explore the role of context in shaping eudaimonic functioning. The distinguished scholars who wrote the chapters in this collection were all asked to address how philosophical ideas have provided a foundation for their work. The result for the reader is the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the breadth of what is meant by eudaemonic functioning. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. R. B. Stewart Jr. Oakland University