Charting the Good Life: Virtue Ethics and The Odyssey

With renewed interest in *The Odyssey*, now is the perfect opportunity to revisit one of the central questions that shaped ancient Greek philosophy: What does it mean to live a good life? This meetup will explore Virtue Ethics and Eudaimonia, the ethical tradition most closely associated with Aristotle. Unlike moral systems that focus primarily on rules or consequences, virtue ethics begins with character. It asks not simply, "What should I do?" but "What kind of person should I become?" The ultimate goal is *eudaimonia*—often translated as "human flourishing"—a life of deep fulfillment achieved through the cultivation of virtues such as courage, wisdom, justice, temperance, generosity, and compassion. The enduring story of Odysseus provides a rich backdrop for examining these ideas. His journey is marked by courage and ingenuity, but also by pride, deception, perseverance, and hard-won self-knowledge. Does Odysseus embody the virtues that lead to flourishing, or does his story reveal the tension between success and moral excellence? Is intelligence alone enough to live well, or must it be guided by wisdom and virtue? Together we'll consider how the ancient Greeks understood excellence of character and ask whether their insights remain relevant today. Can virtue be cultivated in modern life? What habits shape who we become? How do our choices, relationships, and communities contribute to a flourishing life? Whether you're interested in philosophy, theology, Greek mythology, or simply enjoy thoughtful conversation, this meetup is designed to be an open and engaging discussion. No prior reading or background is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore one of humanity's oldest and most enduring questions: What does it truly mean to live well?