Time, Leisure and Well-Being [Hardcover]

The significance of work and leisure as elements of our social fabric have puzzled philosophers and social scientists for generations. This ambitious new study considers historical views of work and leisure alongside contemporary survey evidence about time-use and well-being.

Combining sophisticated theoretical analysis with empirical research, the book presents a contrarian argument that defines leisure as a serious and stimulating challenge rather than an unqualified benefit or good.

This is vital reading for anyone with an interest in the concept of time in the social sciences, work-life balance, organisational studies, or the history, philosophy, or sociology of work and leisure.

Introduction,  Part 1: Leisure, work and well-being: Through a historical lens,  1. Leisure that never existed before: A historical perspective,  2. Was Plato a friend or a foe of leisure?,  3 Aristotle: Philosopher of leisure and happiness,  4. Leisure in Ancient Rome: Otium and Panem et Circenses,  5. Seneca: Philosopher of tranquillity and sadness,  6. St. Augustine: Leisure and happiness in the Earthly City and the City of God,  7. Thomas Aquinas: Vita activa or vita contemplativa?,  8. From the Vale of tears to the Renaissance,  9. Work and leisure in Thomas More’s Utopia,  10. Montaigne’s Essays and Pascal’s Pensées: Of diversion and happiness,  11. Enlightenment’s vision of work, leisure and the arts,  12. Adam Smith: Capitalism with a human face?,  13. The 19^th centlcÙ