Final answer:
Yes, someone can be considered eudaimon while they are alive, as the concept refers to living a virtuous life conducive to human flourishing. Eudaimonia is about a good life as a whole, not merely temporary happiness, and includes maintaining well-being even in adversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of eudaimonia, which is derived from ancient Greek philosophy, refers to a state of human flourishing or living well. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses a fulfilling life, one imbued with virtue and excellence, rather than a transient state of happiness or pleasure. Eudaimonia is achieved when a person lives according to their nature and fulfills the virtues appropriate to human beings, as famously discussed by philosophers such as Aristotle.
Can we call someone eudaimon whilst they are still alive? Yes, we can, because living a eudaimonic life implies that one's actions are rooted in virtue and contribute to their well-being and flourishing. It is not exclusively a posthumous term, and the quality of one's life can be assessed by their capacity to live virtuously and maintain well-being despite any adversities faced. This perspective is seen in the beliefs of the ancient Stoics, who asserted that tragic circumstances could not diminish a person's flourishing because they do not take away their virtue. Furthermore, friendships, particularly those based on character, are highlighted by Aristotle as a crucial component of living a good life, adding to a person's eudaimonia. Modern philosophers, such as G. E. M. Anscombe, have critiqued ancient concepts like eudaimonia and contemporary moral philosophies for lacking a foundation in a solid ethical framework. Despite such critiques, the quest to determine the nature of a good life and how to achieve human flourishing remains a central and ongoing philosophical conversation.