Taxonomies in the Philosophy of Well-Being

Abstract

This paper surveys a number of competing taxonomies within the philosophy of well-being. I begin by sketching out the subject matter of well-being and the purpose of a taxonomy. I then proceed by reviewing each taxonomy systematically; describing their classificatory structure and explaining their perceived strengths and weaknesses. I finish by giving a speculative explanation as to why there are various taxonomies: that particular classificatory divisions might better support some theories of well-being over others. If so, it would make sense to pick a taxonomy that supported one’s own favored theory of well-being and reject any taxonomy that might place said theory into disrepute. Show more