Good Life STS

What is Eudaimonia?

A Greek term coined by Aristotle meaning "human flourishing," "well-being," or living a meaningful and virtuous life aligned with one's highest potential.

What is Hedonism?

A philosophy that defines the good life in terms of maximizing pleasure, positive emotions, and comfort while minimizing pain and suffering.

How did Aristotle view the ultimate goal of human life?

Aristotle believed that Eudaimonia is the ultimate end (Telos) of human existence, achieved not through passive pleasure, but through active practice of virtue (Arete).

What is the "Golden Mean" in Aristotelian ethics?

The desirable middle between two extremes (one of excess and one of deficiency), representing virtue (e.g., courage is the mean between cowardice and recklessness).

What was Epicurus’ view on Hedonism?

Epicureanism advocates for tranquil pleasure (Ataraxia—peace of mind) achieved through simple living, friendship, and intellectual reflection, rather than extravagant sensory indulgence.

How do Eudaimonia and Hedonism differ in modern psychological research?

Hedonic well-being focuses on subjective happiness, emotional satisfaction, and high positive affect. Eudaimonic well-being focuses on psychological well-being, sense of purpose, self-actualization, and personal growth.

What are the 4 dimensions comparing Hedonism and Eudaimonia?

1. Orientations: Motives/values (pleasure vs. excellence). 2. Behaviors: Actions taken (fun/relax vs. effort/helping). 3. Experiences: Feelings generated (enjoyment vs. meaning). 4. Functioning: Long-term psychological states (satisfaction vs. personal growth).

Can a person experience both Hedonic and Eudaimonic happiness?

Yes. Research shows they are complementary; individuals who score high on both experience the highest overall psychological well-being ("Flourishing").

What is the Cantril Ladder (Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale)?

A visual scale from 0 to 10 used to measure subjective life evaluation, where 10 represents the best possible life and 0 represents the worst possible life.

How does the Gallup World Poll categorize life evaluations using the Cantril Ladder?

Thriving: Score 7+ on present life AND 8+ on future life (5 years). Struggling: Moderate/inconsistent scores. Suffering: Score 4 or below on both present and future life.

What is the World Happiness Report (WHR)?

An annual publication measuring national happiness across countries based on life evaluation data collected by the Gallup World Poll.

What are the 6 key variables used in the World Happiness Report to explain differences in national happiness?

1. Log GDP per capita (Economic wealth), 2. Social support, 3. Healthy life expectancy, 4. Freedom to make life choices, 5. Generosity, 6. Perceptions of corruption.

Which countries consistently rank at the top of the World Happiness Report, and why?

Nordic countries (e.g., Finland, Denmark, Iceland) consistently rank highest due to high social trust, strong safety nets, low corruption, and individual freedoms.

What is the "Hedonic Treadmill" (Hedonic Adaptation)?

The psychological tendency of humans to quickly adapt to major positive or negative events and return to a stable baseline level of happiness over time.

Where does the Philippines typically rank in global happiness assessments compared to Southeast Asia?

The Philippines generally ranks among the upper-middle tier in Southeast Asia, often scoring higher in positive daily affect/emotions than in structural/economic metrics.

What cultural values contribute positively to happiness in the Philippines?

Bayanihan (community solidarity), Relational closeness (family/social ties), Faith/Spirituality, and Resilience & Humor during adversity.

What structural challenges negatively impact life evaluation (Cantril Ladder) in the Philippines?

Socioeconomic inequality, systemic corruption, vulnerability to climate/disasters, limited public healthcare, and informal/precarious labor.

How does the distinction between "Positive Affect" and "Life Evaluation" manifest in the Philippines?

Filipinos often report high daily positive affect (smiling, feeling respected, emotional warmth) even when overall life evaluation scores (Cantril Ladder) are moderate due to economic constraints.

What is the relationship between goal setting and Eudaimonic well-being?

Setting and striving for intrinsic goals (e.g., personal growth, relationships, community contribution) directly fosters Eudaimonia by giving life direction and purpose.

What are Intrinsic Goals vs. Extrinsic Goals?

Intrinsic Goals are pursued for personal fulfillment, autonomy, and connection (e.g., learning, helping others). Extrinsic Goals are pursued for external rewards or recognition (e.g., wealth, fame, status).

What are Lifetime Goals, and how should they be structured?

Overarching, high-level aspirations that define your life's vision and core values. They should be broken down into medium-term milestones and actionable daily/weekly habits.

What are the key benefits of goal setting?

Directs attention and effort toward relevant activities, increases persistence and motivation, and enhances self-efficacy and psychological well-being upon progress.

What is the SMART framework for goal setting?

Specific (clear and well-defined), Measurable (quantifiable progress), Achievable (realistic), Relevant (aligned with core values), Time-bound (target completion date).

How does Self-Determination Theory (SDT) connect goals to well-being?

Goals satisfy three core psychological needs: Autonomy (feeling in control), Competence (feeling capable), and Relatedness (feeling connected with others).

How can one integrate Hedonism and Eudaimonia into daily life goals?

Combine meaningful long-term pursuits (Eudaimonia: volunteering, learning, skill mastery) with healthy short-term enjoyment (Hedonism: rest, savoring good meals, spending leisure time with loved ones).