What Does It Mean to Live Well?

Human Flourishing and Philosophical Practices from Ancient Philosophy to Contemporary Scholarship

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the ancient Greek conception of philosophy as a way of life, emphasizing its connection to happiness understood in terms of human flourishing (εὐδαιμονία, eudaimonia), emotional development, and philosophical practices. Moving from Pierre Hadot’s interpretation of ancient philosophy, my proposal highlights how philosophical discourse started from an existential choice: to live in pursuit of wisdom and virtue, that is, to live well. Central to this pursuit was the transformation of the self through disciplined practices aimed at aligning one’s life with philosophical values. Philosophical exercises were designed to harmonize both affective and cognitive dimensions of the person so to establish an excellent behaviour, such as courage for example. The conclusion of the paper examines how contemporary thinkers Romano Màdera and Claudia Baracchi revive this tradition, proposing renewed ways in which philosophy can represent a path to emotional maturity and existential fulfillment.