happiness, the good life,
eudemonia, social salvation--call it what you
The trending phenomenon of striving for the "good life," as used here, is captured by the Greek term
eudemonia.
Eudemonia is a classical Greek word associated with Aristotle that is commonly translated to mean "happiness," "the good life," or even "human health" (Keyes & Haidt, 2002, p.
In this regard both teleological and deontological theories of justice are rooted in a deep desire for flourishing happiness (
eudemonia a la Aristotle) and intimate friendship found and forged in just institutions and will not be actualized through mere individual striving.
While there is no dearth of Woolf sightings in the CUP catalogue--with its many companions, introductions, and editions--Detloff takes a unique approach to the "guide" genre, investigating four concepts:
eudemonia, incandescence, interdependence, and civilization.
For Aristotle,
eudemonia involves experiencing enjoyment, and the emotional life of virtuous persons--what they take pleasure in and what they find painful--contributes to their happiness.
No other titan of
eudemonia seems to them available.
This fits into the Athenian concept of individuals having a duty to promote human flourishing (
eudemonia) of oneself, others, and communities (emphasis added) as a matter of justice (Aristotle, 1999; Kraut, 1989).
Keywords: Happiness Pleasure
Eudemonia Positive psychology Nirvana Positive emotions Wellbeing Summum Bonum.
Two conceptions of happiness: Contrasts of personal expressiveness (
eudemonia) and hedonic enjoyment.