Platonis εὐτυχία retractata, seu quoad humana in rebus gerendis prosperitas virtuti coniuncta sit

Abstract

This article attempts to answer the question of the degree to which Platonic εὐτυχία, understood as fortuitous success, results from favourable external circumstances, and to what extent it is connected to the preparedness of the individual experiencing it to face life’s challenges, in other words, to their life virtue (ἀρετή), whose inseparable component is practically conceived wisdom (σοφία). It is demonstrated that only success in undertaken endeavours (εὐτυχία) arising from such practical wisdom can serve as the foundation for the fullness of life’s happiness designated as εὐδαιμονία.