#Eudaimonia

[earnestattempts]

Issue 7

“Eudaimonia” means “the good life”, not just contentment but a deeper and more complex st ate of being. This is one chapter of a series that explores different aspects of the concept.

read the whole series here! or catch up on the tag

patreon link in bio - no pressure, but any little bit helps!

[quantumpoem]

Duality and oneness in identity

"Yin and Yang" Wikipedia / "The Left Hand of Darkness" Ursula K. Le Guin / "Toward a Psychology of Being" Abraham Maslow / "The Left Hand of Darkness" Ursula K. Le Guin / "Toward a Psychology of Being" Abraham Maslow

[websoflove]

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Happiness

The philosophy of happiness explores the nature, sources, and significance of happiness in human life. It examines what constitutes true happiness, how it can be achieved, and its role in ethical and meaningful living. Philosophers have approached happiness from various perspectives, including ethical, psychological, and existential viewpoints, leading to diverse understandings of what it means to live a happy life.

Key Themes in the Philosophy of Happiness:

Definitions and Concepts of Happiness:

Eudaimonia (Flourishing): In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Aristotle, happiness is often equated with "eudaimonia," which is best translated as flourishing or well-being. Eudaimonia is achieved through living virtuously and fulfilling one's potential, rather than through the pursuit of pleasure alone.

Hedonism: Hedonism defines happiness as the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. This view, associated with philosophers like Epicurus, suggests that a happy life is one in which pleasure is maximized and suffering minimized. However, Epicurus emphasized simple pleasures and the avoidance of excess.

Ethical Theories and Happiness:

Utilitarianism: Utilitarian philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill argue that the right action is the one that maximizes happiness for the greatest number of people. In this context, happiness is often understood as the presence of pleasure and the absence of pain.

Virtue Ethics: Aristotle’s virtue ethics posits that happiness is achieved by living a life of virtue. Virtuous actions, in accordance with reason, lead to a state of eudaimonia, where individuals live in harmony with their true nature and purpose.

Deontological Ethics: While not focused solely on happiness, deontological ethics, as developed by Immanuel Kant, suggests that true happiness comes from fulfilling one’s moral duties. Kant argues that happiness is not the primary goal of moral action, but living morally can lead to a form of happiness tied to a sense of duty and integrity.

Happiness and the Good Life:

The Role of Reason: In many philosophical traditions, particularly in the works of Plato and Aristotle, happiness is linked to the exercise of reason. A life guided by rational thought and the pursuit of wisdom is seen as the highest form of happiness.

The Balance of Pleasure and Virtue: Philosophers like Aristotle and the Stoics argue that happiness is not merely about pleasure but involves a balance of pleasure with virtue. Happiness is seen as a byproduct of living a virtuous life, rather than an end in itself.

Subjective and Objective Views of Happiness:

Subjective Well-Being: Modern discussions of happiness often focus on subjective well-being, which is the individual's self-assessment of their life satisfaction and emotional state. This perspective emphasizes personal experience and the psychological aspects of happiness.

Objective Well-Being: In contrast, some philosophers argue that happiness should be understood in objective terms, based on factors like health, relationships, and personal achievements. From this view, happiness is not just about how one feels but also about living a life that meets certain standards of well-being.

Happiness in Different Philosophical Traditions:

Stoicism: Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius argue that happiness comes from accepting the things we cannot change and living in accordance with nature. Happiness, in this view, is achieved through self-discipline, rationality, and emotional resilience.

Epicureanism: Epicurus taught that happiness is found in simple pleasures, friendship, and the absence of pain (ataraxia). He distinguished between necessary and unnecessary desires, advocating for a minimalist lifestyle that avoids unnecessary suffering.

Buddhism: In Buddhist philosophy, happiness is understood as a state of inner peace and enlightenment, achieved by overcoming desire and attachment. The Four Noble Truths outline the path to end suffering, which is seen as the key to true happiness.

Existential Perspectives on Happiness:

Sartre and Existential Freedom: Existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre argue that happiness is not a predefined state but something that individuals must create for themselves through their choices. Happiness is linked to the authentic exercise of freedom and the responsibility to define one’s own existence.

Camus and the Absurd: Albert Camus, another existentialist, explores the idea that life is inherently absurd and that the search for meaning or happiness can seem futile. However, he argues that one can still find happiness in embracing the absurd and living fully in the face of it.

The Pursuit of Happiness in Modern Thought:

Positive Psychology: In contemporary philosophy and psychology, the study of happiness has expanded with the development of positive psychology. This field focuses on understanding and fostering the factors that contribute to human flourishing, such as positive emotions, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments.

Happiness and Society: Modern philosophers and social theorists explore the relationship between happiness and social conditions, including wealth, inequality, and political systems. Debates continue on how society can be organized to promote the well-being and happiness of its members.

Critiques and Challenges:

Hedonic Treadmill: One critique of the pursuit of happiness is the "hedonic treadmill" effect, where people quickly return to a baseline level of happiness despite changes in their circumstances. This challenges the idea that lasting happiness can be achieved through external factors alone.

The Paradox of Happiness: Some philosophers and psychologists argue that the direct pursuit of happiness can be self-defeating. Focusing too much on becoming happy may lead to anxiety or disappointment, while happiness often arises as a byproduct of other activities, such as meaningful work or relationships.

The philosophy of happiness offers a rich and varied exploration of what it means to live well. It challenges individuals to consider the sources of true happiness, the role of virtue and reason in the good life, and the balance between personal pleasure and ethical living. Whether seen as a subjective state, an objective condition, or a byproduct of living authentically, happiness remains a central concern in philosophical inquiry, reflecting the enduring human quest for fulfillment and well-being.

[porphurios]

The verses and the image of the Pythagorean Y (Upsilon) contain a challenge to students of classical and esoteric philosophy, as well as to mystics of every religion.

Of uncertain authorship, ascribed in a vague way to “Maximinus”, the verses have also been falsely ascribed to Virgil. Yet they are certainly ancient, and the main idea in them belongs to universal wisdom and literature.

They say:

“The Pythagoric Letter two ways spread,

Shows the two paths in which Man’s life is led.

The right hand track to sacred Virtue tends,

Though steep and rough at first, in rest it ends;

The other broad and smooth, but from its Crown

On rocks the Traveller is tumbled down.

He who to Virtue by harsh toils aspires,

Subduing pains, worth and renown acquires;

But who seeks slothful luxury, and flies,

The labor of great acts, dishonored dies.”

[giuliavaldi]

La felicità è l’autorealizzazione di sé medesimi, di sé stessi, e questa è una definizione di Aristotele il quale ritiene che ogni uomo sia fornito di una vocazione, di una inclinazione, che lui chiama daimon, ciascuno ha il suo demone, il musicista, l’artista, il filosofo, l’uomo che lavora manualmente, e la felicità in greco si dice eudaimonia: «la buona realizzazione del tuo demone». Questa è la definizione di felicità di Aristotele e io sto a questa definizione, l’autorealizzazione, uno se si autorealizza, se fa ciò per cui è chiamato o che è evocato, appunto, è felice.

Umberto Galimberti

[roisushiii]

『 ᴇᴜᴅᴀɪᴍᴏɴɪᴀ 』

the young lady, away from the hustle and bustle of society, is enjoying her peaceful day🍀

[eudaimonia-corner]

Anh đến thăm em

chiều đã trễ,

nắm tay, ta cùng về.

Ngày dài lê thê

chuyện buồn, em kể

và anh

cứ thế thương em.

Anh cùng em, bữa tối.

Bếp ấm lên rồi,

mặc ngoài kia gió thổi.

Tay ấm thêm rồi,

mặc ngoài kia

tuyết trắng ngang đồi.

Hai ghế ngồi,

ta bên nhau vậy thôi.

Hai ghế ngồi,

anh yêu em vậy thôi...

|by Eudaimonia|

[raffaellopalandri]

Navigating Challenging Times with Joy, Thankfulness, and Wisdom: A Buddhist, Stoic, and Neuroscientific Perspective

Let’s admit it, our life is an intricate web of experiences, where moments of ease and hardship alternate like the sun’s rising and setting. Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels.com Difficult times, whether they manifest as personal crises, societal upheavals, or existential uncertainties, are, alas, inevitable. The true test of one’s character lies not in avoiding hardship but in learning how to…

[earnestattempts]

“Eudaimonia” means “the good life”, not just contentment but a deeper and more complex state of being. This is one chapter of a series that explores different aspects of the concept.

read the whole series here! or catch up on the tag

patreon link in bio - no pressure, but any little bit helps!

[quantumpoem]

Today I was driving home and listening to somebody's Sir Lancelot du Lac playlist on Spotify and actually started laughing when "You Belong With Me" came on. Like that's an insanely funny pull but it's also kind of beautiful. Part of what I love so much about literature is people have been people with the same human feelings for hundreds and thousands of years. You get to feel a kinship with them from across the ages.

[sentidoysensibilidad]

𝐷𝑖𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑜📚

Eudaimonia es un término griego que se traduce generalmente como “felicidad” o “bienestar”, pero su significado es más profundo y complejo. En el contexto de la filosofía, especialmente en la ética aristotélica, eudaimonia se refiere al estado de florecimiento o realización humana, alcanzado a través de la virtud y la razón.

Según Aristóteles, eudaimonia es el objetivo último de la vida humana, alcanzado viviendo de acuerdo con la virtud (areté) y realizando plenamente las capacidades y potencialidades humanas. No se trata simplemente de una sensación pasajera de placer o satisfacción, sino de una vida completa y plenamente realizada, donde uno vive de acuerdo con su verdadera naturaleza y propósito.

[bananartista]

RIRIDI! - Entity N° 16015

Laugh again, laugh twice!

[omegaphilosophia]

Navigating Pleasure and Pain: Exploring Philosophical Perspectives on Well-Being

The philosophy of pleasure and pain delves into the complex nature of these fundamental human experiences, seeking to understand their significance, ethical implications, and impact on our lives. It encompasses a range of perspectives and theories that shed light on the interplay between pleasure, pain, and our understanding of well-being and morality. Let's explore some key aspects of this philosophical domain.

Hedonism: Hedonism is a central theory in the philosophy of pleasure and pain. It asserts that the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain are the ultimate goals of human life. Different variations of hedonism exist, such as:

Ethical Hedonism: This theory posits that actions should be evaluated based on their ability to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. However, critics argue that purely pursuing pleasure can lead to morally questionable actions.

Psychological Hedonism: Psychological hedonism suggests that all human actions are driven by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Critics challenge the universality of this claim, pointing to instances where people willingly endure pain for higher purposes.

Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism, introduced by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, posits that actions are morally right if they promote the greatest happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people. It evaluates actions based on their consequences and aims to maximize overall well-being while minimizing suffering.

Pain and Pleasure Paradox: The relationship between pain and pleasure can be paradoxical. Some philosophers argue that pain can enhance pleasure by providing contrast and making positive experiences more meaningful. Others explore whether certain forms of pleasure can lead to pain in the long run.

Epicureanism: Epicureanism is a school of thought that promotes the pursuit of moderate pleasures and the avoidance of unnecessary pain. Epicureans emphasize mental tranquility (ataraxia) as a key component of well-being and advocate for simple and modest lifestyles.

Negative and Positive Utilitarianism: While classical utilitarianism focuses on maximizing pleasure, negative utilitarianism seeks to minimize suffering. Positive utilitarianism emphasizes the promotion of positive experiences. These variations raise questions about whether pain reduction takes precedence over pleasure maximization and vice versa.

Eudaimonia: Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, often translated as "flourishing" or "well-being," involves a balanced and virtuous life that includes both pleasure and meaningful activities. Aristotle argues that a virtuous life contributes to a deeper and more lasting form of happiness.

Pleasure, Pain, and Morality: Philosophers debate whether pleasure and pain are reliable indicators of morality. Some argue that following moral principles may lead to short-term pain but result in greater well-being in the long run. Others contend that pursuing pleasure without considering moral values can lead to harm.

Subjective Nature: The philosophy of pleasure and pain acknowledges the subjective nature of these experiences. What brings pleasure to one person may not be the same for another. This subjectivity poses challenges in establishing universal principles for achieving well-being.

The philosophy of pleasure and pain prompts us to reflect on the nature of these experiences and their role in our lives. Whether exploring ethical theories, contemplating the interplay between pain and pleasure, or considering the pursuit of happiness, this branch of philosophy invites us to think deeply about what truly matters to us and how we navigate the complexities of pleasure and pain.

[redundantharpoons]

I was reading a moral philosophy textbook and they spent like 3 pages trying to explain the concept of “eudaimonia” being not just happiness or fleeting good conditions but a sort of consistent state of thriving or flourishing. They split a lot of hairs to try to drive home that it’s not just being good now, but being in a state in which you are living well, and that it doesn’t translate properly into English. And all I can think is that if academics would get their ass on the internet more often they could have just said “Eudaimonia, it’s like . . . you’re thriving, you’re living your best life. You’re in your lane. Your crops are watered. You know, eudaimonia.” and we’d all just be like “Oh, yes, eudaimonia. Of course.”