Kingston Philosophy Café

Philosopher, writer, commentator, and editor of The Philosophers' Magazine Julian Baggini provides the first of Kingston Philosophy Café's contributions to this year's local festival of ideas, Think in Kingston:

Governments around the world are increasingly interested in increasing "gross domestic happiness" rather than simply wealth. Is this an entirely welcome development or is there something wrong about governments trying to affect the states of minds of their citizens? asks Julian Baggini. Is happiness the right objective to pursue, and can it be measured? 

For more Think in Kingston events and discussions in October 2011 on the theme of happiness, including some complementary perspectives on political and government interventions see www.thinkinkingston.org.uk.