Lecture Notes: Eudaimonia

Introduction

• Continuing series: Dumbfounding definitions, dizzying distinctions, diabolical doctrines
• Focus on the concept of Eudaimonia.
• Eudaimonia is an ancient Greek word often translated as happiness.

Definition of Eudaimonia

• Literally translates into "well" and "spirit."
• Modern historians argue it’s inaccurately translated as happiness.
• Not an emotional state but a constant state of being or an achievable condition throughout life.

Proposed Translations

• Living well
• The good life
• Flourishing
• Having life together
• Some translations retain the original Greek to highlight differences with contemporary happiness notions.

Philosophical Perspectives on Eudaimonia

1. Aristotle

• Claimed eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of humanity.
• Virtue is necessary but not sufficient for eudaimonia.
• Living well involves the use of rational faculties to apply virtues to moral dilemmas.

2. Stoicism

• Eudaimonia means living in accordance with nature.
• Rational understanding of one’s place in nature is key.
• Stoics view virtue as both necessary and sufficient for the good life.
• Other elements (wealth, health) are preferable but not required for eudaimonia; a good life can exist without them.

3. Epicureanism

• Defines eudaimonia in terms of pleasure, specifically the absence of pain and mental worries.
• Distinction from bodily pleasures, which can have negative consequences (e.g., hangovers).
• Advocated happiness as a form of absence of pain.

4. Cyrenaic Philosophy

• Cyrenaics assert that physical hedonic pleasure is more important than eudaimonia.
• They argue for immediate pleasure rather than a full, expansive life.

5. Skepticism

• Skeptics did not have beliefs about the ultimate goal of life.
• Followers of Pyrrho believed that lacking beliefs could lead to ataraxia (freedom from concerns).

Central Questions

• What is the goal of life?
• Is virtue sufficient for happiness?
• Does being a good person equate to having a good life?
• Is freedom from pain or concern the ultimate good?
• Is carnal pleasure all that matters?

Conclusion

• Eudaimonia is a central question in philosophy.
• Encouragement to think critically and share thoughts in the comments.