Saints and eudaimonia

[fakename]

I wonder if the saints were happy in the aristotelian sense of the word. If they were not, then since all ethics is useful only insofar as it achieves happiness, then what good is Christian ethics? Also, why is happiness for us Catholics, only supernatural whereas natural happiness seems impossible to achieve?

For Aristotle happiness was the state of being virtuous, wealthy, healthy, famous/with attendees, and at least not hideous.

 

[fhansen]

I wonder if the saints were happy in the aristotelian sense of the word. If they were not, then since all ethics is useful only insofar as it achieves happiness, then what good is Christian ethics? Also, why is happiness for us Catholics, only supernatural whereas natural happiness seems impossible to achieve?

For Aristotle happiness was the state of being virtuous, wealthy, healthy, famous/with attendees, and at least not hideous.

Perfect happiness is attainable only in the immediate presence of God. In this life happiness is a relative value, mitigated by the hardships and suffering inherent in it. We become happier to the extent reason, and ethics accordingly, reigns, as we become jaded by the false promises of happiness this world offers and turn increasingly to God.

 

[SeektheTruth164]

For Aristotle happiness was the state of being virtuous, wealthy, healthy, famous/with attendees, and at least not hideous.

From my studies of Aristotle and Aquinas’ reflections on Aristotle, this is a faulty view of what Aristotle viewed as happiness. I believe he said it is found in the virtuous person and not in wealth, fame, health, or power. For a more indepth reason (as i understand from my studies) as to why this is so just respond. God Bless!

 

[Qoeleth]

I wonder if the saints were happy in the aristotelian sense of the word. If they were not, then since all ethics is useful only insofar as it achieves happiness, then what good is Christian ethics? Also, why is happiness for us Catholics, only supernatural whereas natural happiness seems impossible to achieve?

For Aristotle happiness was the state of being virtuous, wealthy, healthy, famous/with attendees, and at least not hideous.

The happiness towards Christian ethics tends is happiness in the next world, not this. “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy”.

Aristotlean ethics amounts to nothing more than middle class, civic virtue.

In fact, worldly happiness is impossible, which is why Christians are concerned only with the next world. As Sophocles wrote:
“Show me the man whose happiness was nothing more than hopes, followed by disillusion…”