---
title: "Eudaimonia: Aristotle's Theory of Flourishing"
description: "Eudaimonia, Aristotle's concept of human flourishing through virtue and reason, is essential for UPSC aspirants and those studying ethics in policy."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/eudaimonia"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Eudaimonia is the central concept of Aristotelian ethics denoting human flourishing achieved through the exercise of virtue and reason over a complete life.
- How does eudaimonia differ from happiness in the modern sense?
- Why is eudaimonia important for the UPSC GS4 ethics paper?
- What role do external goods play in achieving eudaimonia?
- How does the capabilities approach relate to eudaimonia?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 1990 the UN Development Programme launched the Human Development Index, drawing on Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum's neo-Aristotelian capabilities approach to measure flourishing beyond income alone.

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