Introduction

Who am I?This is my project.This is why I am doing it .

Definitions of eudaimonia - past to present

To define eudaimonia in the 21st century, this project will first consider its original context and intent, central to the ethical discussions of Aristotle around 350BC. It will also include a representation of definitions across almost two and half thousand years since. Finally, it will present a range of modern interpretations.

It is important to state from the outset however, that several modern definitions appear to have strayed sometimes distinctly from what I perceive to be the intent of the original term. The final definition delivered in this project therefore, will attempt to encompass both the spirit of the original definition, and contemporary understanding, relevant to 21st century life.

Defining eudaimonia in the 21st century

How/when/why did the term come into existence?

Why eudaimonia? - Aristotle - Nichomachean Ethics “All agree eudaimonia is highest good. Disagree on what sort of life counts as doing and living well.” Eudaimonia is an ideal - above basic survival.

Hedonic pursuits may feel good at the time. But for those reaching toward a more enlightened view - Maslow would call it self-actualisation - there is little to sustain one long-term. You get on the hedonic treadmill and all of a sudden, enough is not enough. You can never be satisfied. You will never know contentment or appreciate what you have, because you’re too busy wanting more. We search for multiple definitions so we can arrive at modern interpretation.

Definitions of eudaimonia - past to present

Ancient Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, the Stoics, Epicurus, Karma Lekshe Tsomo - Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, B. Alan Wallace, Ph.D. - Scholar, lecturer, writer and translator of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, Christian interpretation, Hindu teachings, Islamic teachings from The Alchemy of happiness by Al Ghazzali,

Definitions of eudaimonia - past to present

ModernEncyclopedia of Positive Psychology, Oxford Handbook of Happiness, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Umair Haque - economist, Rev. Samuel A. Trumbore - First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, The US author Susan Fleck, Owen Flanagan, James B. Duke Professor of Philosophy and Co-Director of the Center for Comparative Philosophy at Duke University, (MJ) Newby: Eudaimonia. Happiness is not enough, Merriam-Webster dictionary, The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979) by T. A. KUZMINA, ethicist stephen pollock etc

EUDAIMONIA TIMELINE GRAPHIC

What is NOT eudaimonia

Not feelings, emotions, superficial physical assets, ego, appearances, social standing - all extrinsic, all transient. Not self indulgence, material wealth, public image, social power, regret, guilt, blame Consumerism, authority, being influentialSuccess, social order, the lower 3 tiers of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs - as they are fundamentals, they do not in themselves rank as elements of a eudaimonic life, nor economics: GDP, GNP (insert Robert Kennedy quote)

Summarise key potential definitions

GRAPHIC - different definitions merge

Present 21st century definition

Justify why arrived at this definition.why I am doing it .

What life experiences/qualities might constitute eudaimonia for different people around the world?

Intrinsic values/Extrinsic values

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates

Rational introspection - that is, not the obsessive review of one’s every move, rather, a healthy self reflection which positions you as a player in the game of your own life, able to assess your course and grow or change when you stray off your own path)

Note - these are not feelings or thoughts. They are not passive. Neither are they ideals or achievements with an end point. They are actions to be actively pursued and upheld throughout ones’ life: Self respect in thought and behaviour, respect for others in thought and behaviour, self actualisation, pursuit of purpose greater than self, wisdom, tolerance, a spiritual life, unity with nature, integrity, honesty, compassion, unconditional love, personal responsibility (responsible citizenship), guardianship of natural world, sense of humour, humanity, self discipline, education throughout lifetime, creativity/ appreciation of creativity, broadmindedness, respect for all cultures/ traditions/ religions/, spiritual pursuits/ elders, the active pursuit of social justice, ethics, respect and care for physical self and othersconscientiousness, self-esteem (not to be confused with narcissism).

Reference: Hindu ethics, Judaism, Islamic views, Christian ideals, Buddhist philosophy, Amish lifePositive Psychology, Ethics, peer reviewed papers/contemporary literature

Are there enough commonalities amongst world populations to arrive at a cosmopolitan ideal - a eudaimonic life for all?

Collating results - Different perspectives on similar or same meanings:

Summarise key importances. What ones overlap - or have universal agreement?

Universals - a contentious subject. There is an ancient question in metaphysics about whether universals exist

For/Against: What is my stance?

Why?

Review values - can we see enough overlap to constitute argument for universals?

GRAPHIC:

eudaimonia for all?

Summary of findingsThe meaning of life is one of humanity’s abiding questions, contemplated across cultures and ideologies, in great halls of science, philosophy, theology and household kitchen discussions throughout human history.

Ultimately when your time is up, will you be happy with the life you’ve lived? What sort of life will you admire? If you can answer that question, you will be close to understanding your eudaimon life.

(Next: How to action this ideal? Do we create a Universal Declaration of Eudaimon Living?)

References

IHS credit