In early philosophically oriented societies, happiness was a prominent theme in literature. This ... more In early philosophically oriented societies, happiness was a prominent theme in literature. This paper provides insight into this topic, in particular, the question of finding happiness—sometimes thought of as the ultimate good in life—based on the works of two prominent spiritual masters and theologians of the Islamic and Catholic traditions respectively, Imam al-Ghazālī (1058–1111) and Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274). Their ideas of happiness integrate theology and philosophy and draw the conclusion that happiness is as much an issue of changing human nature and desires, as it is a matter of faith. An examination of their works reveals the continuity of the scholarly and philosophical tradition that traversed both the Eastern and Western civilizations throughout history.
In early philosophically oriented societies, happiness was a prominent theme in literature. This ... more In early philosophically oriented societies, happiness was a prominent theme in literature. This paper provides insight into this topic, in particular, the question of finding happiness—sometimes thought of as the ultimate good in life—based on the works of two prominent spiritual masters and theologians of the Islamic and Catholic traditions respectively, Imam al-Ghazālī (1058–1111) and Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274). Their ideas of happiness integrate theology and philosophy and draw the conclusion that happiness is as much an issue of changing human nature and desires, as it is a matter of faith. An examination of their works reveals the continuity of the scholarly and philosophical tradition that traversed both the Eastern and Western civilizations throughout history.
Uploads