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First a fourfold classification of qualities of life is presented (Section 1). By means of this

taxonomy common terms and distinctions are placed (Section 2). The matrix is then used to

chart substantive meanings in common measures of the good life (Section 3). Next the

question is raised whether we can meaningfully speak about comprehensive quality of life

(Section 4).

Chances and Outcomes

A substantively more relevant distinction is between opportunities for a good life and the

good life itself. This is the difference betweenpotentiality and actuality. I refer to this as life-

chancesand life-results. Opportunities and outcomes are related, but are certainly not the

same. Chances can fail to be realized, due to stupidity or bad luck. Conversely, people

sometimes make much of their life in spite of poor opportunities.

Outer and Inner Qualities

A second difference is between externaland internalqualities. In the first case the quality

is in the environment, in the latter it is in the individual. Lane (1994) made this distinction

clear by telling quality of societyfrom quality of persons.

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Outer qualities Inner qualities

Life-chances Liveability (the degree towhich the provisions and

requirements of a nation fit

with the needs and capacities

of its citizens.Nation is notwell livable if, for instance, it

fails to meet minimal needs

for food, safety and contacts.

It is also unlivable if its

structure is too complex to

handle for most citizens, or if

its morals require the

impossible. Human needs

and capacities are to a great

extent given by nature.Socialization typically

modifies and cultivates parts

of our innate possibilities.

There are thus limits to

human adaptability, which

soci eties cannot ignore.

Where bio-physiological

needs are concerned this is

rather evident Any society

must provide 'food' and

'shelter'. The existence ofbio-psychological needs is

less obvious, but no less true.

Societies must also provide a

sense of 'security', 'identity'

and meaning'.

Liveability is an umbrella

term for the various qualities

of the environment, which

seem relevant for meeting

human needs. In rhetoric use,

the word refers mostly tospecific kinds of qualities

which typically root in some

broader perception of the

good society. The

circumstantial qualities that

are emphasized differ widely

across contexts and

disciplines.)

Life-ability of the

person

(i.e. how well we are

equipped to cope with theproblems of life)

Life-results Utility of life

(The left bottom quadrantrepresents the notion that

Satisfaction(i.e. the quality in the eye of

the beholder. As we deal with

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a good life must be good for

something more than itself.

This presumes some higher

values.)

conscious humans this

quality boils down to

subjective appreciation of

life.)

Well-being Deprivation Dissonance Adaptation

Positive Objective &

Subjective

Objective Subjective

Negative Objective &

Subjective

Subjective Objective

CAPABILITY APPROACH

Well-being Agency

Achievements Well-being

Achievements

(Functionings)

Agency

Achievements

Freedom Well-being

Freedoms

(Capabilities)

Agency Freedoms

Passing enduring

Part of life Pleasure Part-satisfaction

Life-as-a-whole Peak-experience Life-satisfaction

(Happiness)