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Well-being and the Problem of Unstable Desires

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  • Mariqueo-Russell, Atus

Abstract

This paper considers a new problem for desire theories of well-being. The problem claims that these theories are implausible because they misvalue the effects of fleeting desires, long-standing desires, and fluctuations in desire strength on well-being. I begin by investigating a version of the desire theory of well-being, simple concurrentism, that fails to capture intuitions in these cases. I then argue that desire theories of well-being that are suitably stability-adjusted can avoid this problem. These theories claim that the average strength of a desire, and the length of time that it is held, both influence the extent to which its fulfilment or frustration affects well-being. I end by considering whether value-fulfilment theories of well-being have a more attractive response to this problem. I find that these theories have significant downsides that make them unappealing alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariqueo-Russell, Atus, 2023. "Well-being and the Problem of Unstable Desires," Utilitas, Cambridge University Press, vol. 35(4), pages 260-276, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:utilit:v:35:y:2023:i:4:p:260-276_2
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