Happiness and Greek Ethical Thought

"Holowchak's concise and readable overview of Greek ethical thought makes ancient wisdom resonate in today's modern world. He sees the happiness-oriented ethics of ancient Greece as a solution to the defects of such modern ethical theories as Utilitarianism and Emotivism. The book explains key theories and themes from such thinkers as Plato, Aristotole, and Epicurus, using everyday language, illuminating examples, and helpful charts." - Heather Reid, Morningside College, IA -- Heather Reid, Morningside College, IA
'We recognize the importance and the pull of the question, What is happiness? but modern answers are frequently disappointing and trivial. Holowchak introduces the reader to the richer ancient tradition of thought about happiness. He presents some of the ancient philosophical theories, together with typical modern responses to them, and the reader is drawn in to engage with thoughts which are both philosophically challenging and directly relevant to the living of our lives. Through attractive topical selections of ancient philosophical thought about happiness Holowchak builds up for our serious consideration the ancient idea that happiness is a matter of rational integration of the self, developed in terms of the individual's relationship to their community and to the cosmos. This is a vigorous introduction to a rich way of thinking of about the way we live our lives' - Julia Annas, Regents Professor of Philosophy, University of Arizona -- Julia Annas, Regents Professor of Philosophy, University of Arizona
'It is easy to see this book as a text for an undergraduate course. A readable introduction to central issues in classical thought ... Reading this volume is excellent preparation for working with more difficult texts.' -- Ellen Charry, Princeton Theological Seminary * Christian Century *