Abstract

Abstract For humans, as for other animal species, old age is a good, provided that the disease and decrepitude that often accompany it are not so severe as to swamp further flourishing. This accords with Aristotle's holistic account of flourishing, which embraces the entire biological lifespan. However, Aristotle's stress on rational activity as the key to human fulfilment suggests flourishing may be eroded in proportion as the intellectual faculties deteriorate. The Judeo-Christian tradition, by contrast, construes human flourishing primarily in terms of moral integrity, so allowing that old age (and its associated infirmities) can bring with it its own contribution to a worthwhile life. These Judeo-Christian lessons on ageing do not, as is commonly supposed, depend on whether there will be an after life in which the pains of aging will be eliminated