Objectivity and Subjectivity in Theories of Well-Being

Abstract

Last year, a special issue of this journal addressed the concepts of well-being and happiness as they appear in discussions of public policy. This paper defends an objective conception of well-being as happiness in a worthwhile life. Nevertheless, the paper points out problems that face any proposal for a well-being policy. To promote the well-being of its people, the state would impose its own conception of well-being on them and thus violate the principle of impartiality.