Eudaimonia In St. Augustine's Work

Although many philosophers, theologians, and scholars have left their mark on society throughout the years, it is arguable that very few managed to spark modern thought and formulate strong ideologies such as the Greek philosopher Aristotle, and the theologian St. Augustine of Hippo. Both of these philosophers worked to understand the true concept of eudaimonia in our everyday lives, and how living a virtuous life will impact an everyday person. While some might argue how Aristotle’s works actually influenced some of St. Augustine’s writings through a common admiration to Plato, their conflicting ideas regarding the reasoning for living a virtuous life and the purpose of a supreme being, or a supreme good, separated these two philosophies to act as conflicting works. To Aristotle, this “good” was the human mind’s ability to understand and achieve eudaimonia, wisdom, and truth; when St. Augustine believed that the “good” …show more content…
Through their differences of belief, the differing concept of eudaimonia and virtues arose. By analyzing these philosophers and their works, it is clear that their ideologies and philosophies address these differences and help place their works in an admirable light.
When speaking of the word ‘eudaimonia’, it is easy to associate the term with something as simple as the word happiness. For the true meaning of eudaimonia, it is important to understand it not as an emotion, but as a well-being. This well-being becomes a superior state, one that would arise through living a virtuous life in all senses. Many philosophers have constructed unique ideas to what is required to achieve a state of eudemonia or how to live a virtuous life in a world of temptation.
Beginning with Aristotle, he believed that virtue is simply the key to achieving eudaimonia in this current lifetime. Aristotle saw