The Production Function Theory of Happiness: Insights from Taking a Practical Perspective

Philosophical theories of happiness tend to fall into one of three classes: hedonistic, subjectivist or objectivist. These are all theories of happiness as the prudential good; that is, what is “good-for” a person. This paper proposes an alternate viewpoint more focused on how you get happiness rather than what it is. This is the “happiness production function” viewpoint. This perspective draws on ideas in the economics and psychology literatures on happiness and wellbeing. Taking this perspective reveals that self-actualization is critical to the achievement of happiness regardless of which class of happiness theory is employed. Furthermore, it reveals that the three classes of happiness theory are more interdependent than their advocates might presume. Finally, it reveals that what an individual believes to be good for them is determined through the process of self-actualization as the individual pursues their happiness. As such, defining happiness as the prudential good invites confusion. It puts the cart of goodness before the horse of happiness. The paper ultimately suggests that a greater attention to the praxis of happiness and the similarities rather than differences between theories of happiness would be valuable.