Eudaimonia and Wisdom

Abstract

In this chapter we outline psychological approaches to investigating wisdom and its development. We review findings relating to a view of wisdom as the perfect integration of mind and virtue: it is highly relevant to any discussion of ideal human development. Indeed it has been discussed as an important outcome of the good life (eudaimonia) and also as a means to achieve a good life. We understand eudaimonia as the kind of well-being that arises when practicing wisdom (phronesis) to solve the existential conflicts and dilemmas that occur in everyday life and thus leading a "good life" irrespective of the emotional states coming with it. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)