Ayn Rand described happiness as man's highest moral purpose. In this talk, Joe Duarte will outline the state of happiness science. He will first deal with how happiness is defined and measured, and how scientists treat the role of values. Joe will also touch on the cross-cultural implications of happiness research and identify those cultural differences that have already been found. Finally, Joe will go over what we know about the causes of happiness — and how we can practically and meaningfully integrate them into our own lives. Does Objectivism makes us happier? How do values impact our well-being?
Joe Duarte is pursuing a doctorate Social Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his research focuses on authentic happiness, mindfulness, and the sublime positive emotions.