An East and West Divide or Convergence? Similarities between Ancient Indian and Greek Philosophy on Human Flourishing

Abstract

There is a common assumption that the ancient philosophies of Greece and India are vastly different; the former conceived of as more 'logical', the latter as more 'mystical'. Any parallels between the two civilisations are often attributed to Plato or Pre-Socratic thinkers, who are considered to be 'more eastern' in their outlook. This paper will assess the aforementioned assumption by examining basic ideas about human flourishing in both cultures. What does it mean to 'live well' and how is this related to 'happiness'? These are basic questions underlying most conceptions of human flourishing. In this paper I will examine these questions with specific reference to Plato, Aristotle and ancient Indian philosophical thought, and will draw attention to particular implications of this investigation.