Can economists measure happiness ?

In many ways, economists have a difficult, if not impossible, task, for their field of study lies at the intersection of two disciplines that they cannot satisfy: science and the study of man. But what about economics as a “human science” that is as close as possible to what really interests man, in an almost philosophical sense: his happiness? With their quantitative and objective indicators, economists seem far from being able to grasp the multiple and complex qualitative and subjective compartments that make up human happiness. Yet, along with philosophers and sociologists, they are the main thinkers who deal with the factors essential to human happiness: work, remuneration, health, social relations… Indicators incorporating variables other than economics have already been devised by some. What is the economist’s real contribution to the measurement of happiness? Can happiness be integrated into more traditional measures of development?