Final answer:
Eudaimonia, which means a flourishing or well-lived life, can only be obtained through living a life of virtue. Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle believed virtue must be practiced, while Confucianism emphasized social harmony. Socrates viewed knowledge of the good as essential for virtue, indicating that a life of happiness and virtue entails continuous development and practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept that can only be obtained through living a happy life of virtue is eudaimonia, which is often translated as 'happiness' but more accurately refers to a flourishing or well-lived life. Central to this idea is the belief, shared by ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, that virtue and virtuous development are essential for a good life.
Aristotle emphasized that virtue is not innate, but rather must be practiced and developed, proposing that "we become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts."
In addition to the Greeks, Confucianism also links the concept of a good life with virtuous action, though it places a stronger emphasis on social roles and relationships. Likewise, Socrates connected the virtuous life with the knowledge of the good, insisting that evil results from ignorance. If one knows what is good, one will naturally choose it, thus suggesting that education in virtue is crucial.
For both Greek and Confucian thinkers, the virtuous life is intricately connected to the collective well-being of society. Even Boethius, in The Consolation, reflects that true happiness is found in wisdom, family, and virtuous actions.