What is Truth? Eudaimonia to Beatitude

Within the context of human relationships, eudaimonia is materially achievable, but as soon as it is achieved, it changes definitions and depth. Aristotle appealed to Aquinas because Jesus Christ serves as the bridge between any material action prescribed by Aristotle and any transcendent Truth associated with Virtue and Beatific Vision or Beatitude. Further, since for Aristotle it seems humble relationship with “the Other” is essential for the material development of Virtue, it is logical for Christian theologians that humble relationship with Jesus Christ can perfect Virtue in us. Aquinas recognizes, however, the limitations of Aristotle’s eudaimonia. Certainly, we can always achieve higher levels of happiness or flourishing, but perfect happiness can only flow through perfect Virtue, and, as there is only One being who is perfectly virtuous, perhaps happiness can only be given to us by that perfect vision, or, as Aquinas defines it, by viewing or contemplating the One who is perfectly virtuous. Aquinas calls this transcendent happiness “Beatific Vision”.

St. Senan's Catholic Church in Shanagolden, Co. Limerick, Ireland. This is where my great-grandfather on my mother's side went to Mass. In life he may have come close to something like Eudaimonia; in the afterlife, we Hope for Beatific Vision.