Hierarchy of Eudaimonia in Aristotle's Moral Philosophy

Eudaimonia is central for Aristotle's moral philosophy. But there is disagreement about the nature of eudaimonia, how to know it, and some other related issues. John McDowell proposed new interpretations about these matters and his views have been taken seriously by Aristotle scholars. According to McDowell virtuous actions are constitutive of eudaimonia. These actions are intrinsically and really valuable. And only the virtuous person can know them. We argue that there is a "hierarchy of eudaimonia" in Aristotle's ethical system: "animal eudaimonia," "human eudaimonia," and "divine eudaimonia." "Animal eudaimonia" is the lowest level and "divine eudaimonia" is the highest. What McDowell is saying is related to "human eudaimonia." We suggest that moral and intellectual virtues are intrinsically good at human and divine levels and the value of actions are derivative from the value of virtues. And non-virtuous is partly able to gain knowledge. And this ability strengthen by moral development.