Три концепта среће: од античке Грчке до новог века савремених наука
Three concepts of happiness: from ancient Greece to modern sciences

Summary/Abstract: This article provides a multidisciplinary exploration of the concept of happiness, spanning philosophical, psychological, sociological, and economic perspectives. Originally, happiness was perceived as an unpredictable force; however, Socrates and Aristotle recognized the potential for individuals to influence their own happiness, leading to a conceptual shift from a mere description to an exploration of the individual impact that laid the foundation for separating external and internal happiness. This reasoning remains dominant throughout the centuries with certain variations. Christian philosophers such as Augustine and Aquinas further explored the concept of happiness. While Augustine introduced a somber note, proposing that happiness is attainable only in the afterlife, requiring complete obedience in the present world, Aquinas, echoing Aristotle’s optimism, believes in the attainability of imperfect happiness in the present world. However, the Reformation period marked a significant turning point, proclaiming the triumph of internal happiness and elevating the pursuit of happiness in the present world over external influences. Utilitarianism later took over the idea of internal happiness, positioning it as the ultimate goal: individuals were called to serve the sovereign master of pleasure, making choices based on utility and quantifying happiness with pain and unhappiness. From a contemporary standpoint, utilitarianism greatly shapes the notion of happiness and its pursuit. Thus, psychology makes efforts to identify internal indicators of happiness and to identify them while acknowledging the presence of external components. Economics, too, has a role in shaping the concept of happiness. Economics emphasizes utility as a key element for internal and short-term happiness, asserting that individuals can follow and create their own happiness through choices. The intricacies of this exploration underscore the complexity of happiness as a concept but also show room for potential collaborations and the need for a holistic comprehension of the notion of happiness.

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