The Garden and the Orchestra: Generative Metaphors for Conceptualizing the Complexities of Well-Being

Tim Lomas () and Tyler J. VanderWeele
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Tim Lomas: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Tyler J. VanderWeele: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-14

Abstract: Our understanding of well-being, and related concepts such as health and flourishing, is shaped by the metaphors through which we think about such ideas. Current dominant metaphors—including a pyramid, ladder, and continuum—all have various issues. As such, this paper offers two other metaphors which can better do justice to the nuanced complexities of these notions, namely, a garden and an orchestra. Through these metaphors, this paper articulates a comprehensive framework for conceptualizing and appreciating the nature of well-being (and associated concepts), which it is hoped will generate further insights and research into these valued and sought-after phenomena.

Keywords: flourishing; well-being; health; metaphor; conceptualization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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