Well-Being as Value Fulfillment by Valerie Tiberius

Description

Well-Being as Value Fulfillment: How We Can Help Each Other to Live Well by Valerie Tiberius is an insightful and compassionate exploration of what it truly means to live a good life. In this thought-provoking book, Tiberius offers a philosophical theory of well-being grounded in the fulfillment of personal values—those things we find deeply meaningful and important. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, she argues that well-being is subjective and best understood in terms of how well a person's life aligns with their own values, commitments, and priorities. Tiberius blends rigorous philosophical analysis with practical wisdom, drawing on contemporary psychology, moral philosophy, and her own experiences to develop a theory that is both intellectually robust and accessible. She challenges traditional philosophical theories of well-being that focus on pleasure, desire satisfaction, or objective goods, proposing instead that a flourishing life is one in which we successfully live according to the values that matter to us—provided that these values themselves are wise, well-reflected upon, and stable. A key theme of the book is the role that other people play in helping us live well. Tiberius emphasizes the importance of social relationships and mutual support in the pursuit of value fulfillment. She argues that well-being is not a solitary endeavor but something we achieve together, through understanding, empathy, and guidance. Helping others live in accordance with their values, while also seeking support for our own value-driven lives, creates the conditions for genuine flourishing. Well-Being as Value Fulfillment is both a significant contribution to the philosophical literature on well-being and a practical guide to living a meaningful, connected life. It encourages readers to think carefully about what they value, to reflect on the sources of meaning in their lives, and to engage compassionately with others in their pursuit of fulfillment. Tiberius offers a hopeful, humane vision of well-being, rooted in personal reflection, interpersonal care, and the shared human quest for a life worth living.