Addressing issues of defining and measuring the quality of life, this title examines developments in the philosophical definition of well-being and links them to practical issues such as the delivery of health care and the assessment of women's quality of life.

`I am ... certain that the effort recorded here will help to draw philosophical and economic theory a little closer to the world of crying children and inflamed conflict.' Political Theory 'impressive volume ... it is difficult to imagine a more comprehensive and insightful account of the field' Ian Ground, Health Care Analysis, Volume 1, No. 2 'the papers and commentaries brought together in this volume help to significantly increase our understanding of the concept of the quality of life' Robert Young, La Trobe University `a significant enroad upon the quandries posed in defining and measuring quality of life ... The theoretical approaches of these authors elevate the quality of life concept to a more advanced level' Social Indicators Network News `outstanding collection of papers and commentaries .. All these papers are covered by extremely incisive commentaries ... Sen's capability approach to the sorts of issues discussed in this book is of the highest importance and ... it opens up a great variety of issues ... I recommend the book with the greatest enthusiasm.' Teaching, Research and Reference `This book makes a valuable addition to contemporary debates about well-being.' Canadian Philosophical Reviews `The book makes a worthy contribution to facilitating interaction among researchers in various fields ... Sen's work is part of a large body of economic writing that questions the conventional wisdom. The introduction by the editors is much clearer about the debates in both fields; it is well-written and absorbing reading ... The book is well worth the time required for reading.' Review of Political Economy