"Almost all scholars maintain that ancient Greek ethical theory operates within a "eudaimonist framework". This book critically examines what it is for an ethical theory to be eudaimonist and how and to what extent this makes an ethical theory distinct. Plainly, if a theory is eudaimonist, then the notion of eudaimonia (happiness) must play a crucial role. This book argues, however, that although it is true that ancient philosophers discuss eudaimonia frequently, it is far less clear that it plays a rolein their ethical theories such that it makes for a distinctive kind of theory. In particular, it argues, first, that merely discussing what makes a human life happy is insufficient for a theory to be eudaimonist; any philosopher might have views about what a happy life is, without that making their mode of ethical reasoning and deliberation distinctly eudaimonist. The book identifies and critically analyzes three further roles that eudaimonia may play, which, individually or jointly, have been thought sufficient to make a theory eudaimonist: (1) as a comprehensive practical principle; (2) as a concept that can provide content for virtuous action; (3) as a grounding, justification, or motivation to pursue virtue"--
Varieties of Happiness critically examines the widespread belief that Greek ethics is a distinctive type of ethical theory labeled "eudaimonist." Plainly, if a theory is eudaimonist, then the notion of eudaimonia must play a crucial role. Iakovos Vasiliou argues, however, that although it is true that ancient philosophers discuss eudaimonia frequently, it is far less clear that it plays a role in their ethical theories such that it makes for a distinctive kind of theory. Merely discussing what makes a human life a happy one is insufficient for a theory to be eudaimonist. Any philosopher might have views about what a happy life is, without that making their mode of ethical reasoning and deliberation distinctly eudaimonist.
Vasiliou identifies and critically analyzes three roles eudaimonia may play, which, individually or jointly, have been thought sufficient to make a theory eudaimonist: (1) as a comprehensive practical principle; (2) as a concept that can provide the content for virtuous action; and (3) as a motivation to pursue virtue. Through detailed interpretations of texts on happiness and virtue from Plato's Socratic dialogues, The Republic and Symposium, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Epicurus, and the early Stoics, this book invites us to revise our understanding of ancient ethics.
Almost all ancient Greek ethical theories are taken to be eudaimonist because of the central role of eudaimonia (happiness) within them. Varieties of Happiness critically examines eudaimonism and challenges the widespread belief among scholars that Greek ethics is this distinct type of ethical theory. Vasiliou provides detailed interpretations of ancient texts on happiness and virtue from Plato's Socratic dialogues The Republic and Symposium, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Epicurus, and the early Stoics.
