Welfare, Happiness, and Ethics

by L.W. Sumner

Moral philosophers agree that welfare matters. But they disagree about what it is, or how much it matters. Wayne Sumner presents an original theory of welfare, investigating its nature and discussing its importance. He considers and rejects all notable theories of welfare, both objective and subjective, including hedonism and theories founded on desire or preference. His own theory connects welfare closely with happiness or life satisfaction. Reacting against the value pluralism that currently dominates moral philosophy, he advances welfare as the only basic ethical value. He concludes by discussing the implications of this thesis for ethical and political theory. Written in clear, non-technical language, and including a definitive survey of other work in this area, Sumner's book is essential reading for moral philosophers, political theorists, and welfare economists.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

251 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Leonardo]

...in his book Welfare, Happiness, and Ethics, L. W. Sumner (1996) writes that ‘‘a person’s welfare is more or less the same as her well-being or interest or (in one of its many meanings) her good’’

Capabilities and Happiness Pág.287

[Maxime Berthiaume · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lisible, intéressant par moment, mais non convaincant dans l'argumentation. Sa définition du subjectivisme est trop large et son critère d'autonomie me semble confus et supposé quelque chose comme un ''real self'' qui serait derrière tous les biais cognitifs, sociaux, etc. Je doute fortement qu'une telle chose existe et il ne le prouve pas.

[Du Vaughn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. Nothing new here. Couldn’t finish.

[Adam Ehlert]

[read for work]

[Heather Hoyt]

Read for research. Good overview of welfare/well-being. It argues that welfare is about happiness, and happiness is basically life satisfaction.

[Cat in the Hay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attempting to constrain a subjective theory well-being with objective standards can get to be quite a mess, not to mention rather paternalistic.

[Ft. Sheridan · Rating 2 out of 5]

nah, objective theories of well-being are better.