Historical and Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Hope

• Other Authors: van den Heuvel, Steven C. (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Nature 2020
• Subjects: Humanistic psychology; Ethics & moral philosophy; Religion & beliefs; Christian theology; Economic theory & philosophy; Positive Psychology; Moral Philosophy; Sociology of Religion; Christian Theology; Heterodox Economics; Moral Philosophy and Applied Ethics; Hope Theory; Hope Theory and Positive Psychology; Hope and Human Economic Behaviour; Cognitive Psychology; Philosophy and Theology of Hope; Hope Development in Western Countries; Hope Research; Hope and Health Studies; Open Access; Positive psychology; Sociology & anthropology; Christianity; Theology
• Online Access: OAPEN Library: download the publication; OAPEN Library: description of the publication

This open access volume makes an important contribution to the ongoing research on hope theory by combining insights from both its long history and its increasing multi-disciplinarity. In the first part, it recognizes the importance of the centuries-old reflection on hope by offering historical perspectives and tracing it back to ancient Greek philosophy. At the same time, it provides novel perspectives on often-overlooked historical theories and developments and challenges established views. The second part of the volume documents the state of the art of current research in hope across eight disciplines, which are philosophy, theology, psychology, economy, sociology, health studies, ecology, and development studies. Taken together, this volume provides an integrated view on hope as a multi-faced phenomenon. It contributes to the further understanding of hope as an essential human capacity, with the possibility of transforming our human societies.