ABSTRACT
The philosopher’s question about well-being is ‘what is it for someone’s life as a whole to go best for her?’. This isn’t the same question as ‘what does she need if her life is to go best?’ or ‘what would help or harm her?’. The philosopher’s question is about what well-being is rather than about what are its conditions or causes. Compare the difference between ‘what is health?’ and ‘is smoking bad for your health?’. The question about well-being also isn’t the same question as ‘what is it to be a good person?’ or ‘what is moral righteousness?’: compare the difference between being healthy and being a saint. 1
