The Elements of Well-Being

Journal of Practical Ethics, Volume 3, Number 1. June 2015

21 Pages Posted: 30 Jun 2015

Date Written: June 29, 2015

Abstract

This essay contends that the constitutive elements of well-being are plural, partly objective, and separable. The essay argues that these elements are pleasure, friendship, significant achievement, important knowledge and autonomy, but not either the appreciation of beauty or the living of a morally good life. The essay goes on to attack the view that elements of well-being must be combined in order for well-being to be enhanced. The final section argues against the view that, because anything important to say about well-being could be reduced to assertions about these separable elements, the concept of well-being or personal good is ultimately unimportant.

Keywords: well-being, philosophy

Suggested Citation

Hooker, Brad, The Elements of Well-Being (June 29, 2015). Journal of Practical Ethics, Volume 3, Number 1. June 2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2624595

Brad Hooker (Contact Author)

University of Reading ( email )

Whiteknights
Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AH
United Kingdom

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