The Dissenter

#1202 Valerie Tiberius: The Philosophy and Psychology of Well-Being

Jan 15, 2026
Guest
Valerie Tiberius
Valerie Tiberius, a philosophy professor at the University of Minnesota and author of *What Do You Want Out of Life?*, dives deep into the intricacies of well-being. She discusses her value fulfillment theory, emphasizing that well-being is tied to personal values over time. The conversation explores the balance between gut instincts and reflective wisdom, how to resolve conflicting values, and the link between happiness and morality. Tiberius also touches on the role of virtues in achieving a good life and argues for the moral importance of pursuing happiness—not just for oneself, but for others too.
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ADVICE

Translate Values Into Compatible Projects

  • Translate broad values like friendship or meaningful work into compatible, specific projects that fit your life context.
  • Prioritize context-sensitive trade-offs rather than fixed universal rules when resolving value conflicts.
ADVICE

Ask Others When You Can't See Yourself

  • Consult people who know you because we're poor at introspection and others can spot patterns you miss.
  • Use friends' observations about your behavior to discover what genuinely brings you joy or relief.
ADVICE

Balance Gut And Reflection

  • Balance gut feelings and reflection: listen to embodied responses but check long-term trade-offs with reasoning.
  • Use reflection for planning and your gut for noticing what actually brings you joy.
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