Hedonism Essay - 1071 Words

Websters dictionary defines hedonism as the ethical doctrine that pleasure, variously conceived of in terms of happiness of the individual or of society, is the principal good and the proper aim of action or the theory that a person always acts is such a way as to seek pleasure and avoid pain. With this definition in mind, and with further examination of John Stuart Mills theory on hedonism, I am going to argue that hedonism is not an exclusive or distinct way of thinking. In fact, I think that with the exception of possibly a few people, most people are very hedonistically inclined. Hedonistic utilitarians†¦show more content†¦2. In the absence of conclusive evidence for a supernatural, ethics and morality must be based on our living in the natural world. 3. Pleasure and pain are our natural means for determining what is beneficial or harmful to life. 4. Those actions are best which lead to the greatest pleasure and happiness, or the least pain and suffering, in the long term for all concerned. 5. Our lives are made most happy and fulfilling by cultivating the higher pleasures of intellectual development, aesthetic appreciation and creativity, and social bonds of friendship, family and romantic love. 6. Happiness is best attained in an atmosphere of freedom, tolerance, nonviolence and diversity. The Hedonic society also states that the ethics of enlightened hedonism is a positive, dynamic and life- affirming alternative to traditional religious and political dogmas. In todays terms, when you hear someone speak of hedonism, your mind automatically goes to associating sex, orgasms, and all other types of physical pleasure with the term hedonism. The important thing to keep in mind, however is that hedonism does not just include physical pleasure. It is possible to strive to achieve happiness and excitement, and at the same time avoid sadness and anxiety. This is also a hedonistic way of thought. Hedonism is not the pursuit purely physical. It is possible to be intellectually hedonistic as well. And, Hedonism is not based solelyShow MoreRelatedHedonism : Utilitarianism And Ancient Hedonism1255 Words   |  6 PagesHedonism concerning Utilitarianism and Ancient Hedonism Hedonism comes from the Greek word hedone, which means pleasure (Weijers). Hedonism is the principle that pleasure or happiness is the most important objective in life. It states how we should behave, why we behave the way we do, and what is good for us. Pleasure and pain are the two most important components in all hedonistic theories. Pleasure is the primary central good; it is essentially valuable and pain essentially not valuable. ThereRead MoreWhat ´s Hedonism?555 Words   |  2 PagesThroughout history, pleasure has been the main goal that drives society. 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The novel focuses on his pursuit of attaining enlightenment through finding Nirvana, the balance between asceticism and hedonism. He experiences the extremes of both asceticism and hedonism in order to find balance between the two. Throughout Siddhartha’s spiritual journey, he comes across multiple teachers, including the Samanas, Kamala, Young Siddhart ha, Vasudeva, and the river, who teach him something