Happiness and Greek Ethical Thought

Description

This book presents a fresh exploration of happiness through the ideas of the ancient Greek philosophers. It introduces readers to the main currents of Greek ethical thought (Socratic living, Platonism, Aristotelianism, Epicureanism, Scepticism, Stoicism, Cynicism) and takes a close look at characters such as Socrates, Diogenes and Alexander the Great. Yet Happiness and Greek Ethical Thought is much more than just a casual stroll through ancient thinking. It attempts to show how certain common themes in Greek thought are essential for living a happy life in any age. The author maintains that, in many respects, the Greek integrative ideal, contrary to the hedonistic individualism that many pluralistic societies at least implicitly advocate, is a much richer alternative that warrants honest reconsideration today.

M. Andrew Holowchak is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania, USA.

"Holowchak's concise and readable overview of Greek ethical thought makes ancient wisdom resonate in today's modern world. He sees the happiness-oriented ethics of ancient Greece as a solution to the defects of such modern ethical theories as Utilitarianism and Emotivism. The book explains key theories and themes from such thinkers as Plato, Aristotole, and Epicurus, using everyday language, illuminating examples, and helpful charts." - Heather Reid, Morningside College, IA -- Heather Reid, Morningside College, IA 'We recognize the importance and the pull of the question, What is happiness? but modern answers are frequently disappointing and trivial. Holowchak introduces the reader to the richer ancient tradition of thought about happiness. He presents some of the ancient philosophical theories, together with typical modern responses to them, and the reader is drawn in to engage with thoughts which are both philosophically challenging and directly relevant to the living of our lives. Through attractive topical selections of ancient philosophical thought about happiness Holowchak builds up for our serious consideration the ancient idea that happiness is a matter of rational integration of the self, developed in terms of the individual's relationship to their community and to the cosmos. This is a vigorous introduction to a rich way of thinking of about the way we live our lives' - Julia Annas, Regents Professor of Philosophy, University of Arizona -- Julia Annas, Regents Professor of Philosophy, University of Arizona 'It is easy to see this book as a text for an undergraduate course. A readable introduction to central issues in classical thought ... Reading this volume is excellent preparation for working with more difficult texts.' -- Ellen Charry, Princeton Theological Seminary * Christian Century *