Eudaimoninen

Eudaimoninen is a Finnish adjective that corresponds to the English term eudaimonic. It denotes aspects related to eudaimonia, a concept rooted in ancient Greek ethics and philosophy. Eudaimonia is commonly translated as flourishing, well-being, or the good life, and is considered the highest aim of human existence. In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, eudaimonia is achieved not through transient pleasures but through the exercise of virtue and rational activity in accordance with reason, over the course of a full life.

In contemporary usage, eudaimonia is contrasted with hedonia, which emphasizes pleasure and subjective happiness. Eudaimonic well-being refers to functioning well: living in accordance with one’s true self, pursuing meaningful goals, and developing personal capabilities. In psychology, researchers distinguish hedonic well-being from eudaimonic well-being; Ryff's model identifies six components: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Some scholars apply eudaimoninen to moral and ethical dimensions of life, including virtue, responsibility, and social contribution.

In Finnish usage, eudaimoninen describes states, goals, or activities aligned with flourishing and meaningful functioning. It appears in philosophical, psychological, and educational contexts as part of discussions on well-being beyond immediate pleasure.