Philosophies of Life - Hedonism

Lectures 8 & 9

hedonism

the view that pleasure is the ultimate goal of life

hēdonē

pleasure

Types of Hedonism

Psychological hedonism and ethical hedonism

psychological hedonism

• motivational theory that actions are determined by their pleasure-producing properties

• motivational theory explaining WHY we do things

• “people are motivated to reduce, and if possible, eliminate, pain and displeasure, to give rise to its opposite”

• goal is pleasure

ethical hedonism

• moral theory stating that one should pursue pleasure since pleasure is the only thing intrinsically valuable

• not a motivational theory

• it is a moral theory that suggests that one ought to pursue pleasure in life

• pleasure is the only thing that is intrinsically valuable

• we should strive to create a state of affairs that produce pleasure and reduce displeasure, and it is wrong not to

Cyrenaic hedonism

a school of hedonism; founded by Aristippus, named after his hometown

Aristippus of Cyrene

1. Pleasure if the principle motive for living

2. No qualitative distinctions can be made among pleasures themselves

3. Pleasure contributes to the meaning of life. Aristippus advocates for Socratic self-control which is rational control over pleasure, rather than a slavery to it

4. Actual pleasures are more desirable than potential pleasures

intensity

• magnitude of strength of something

• only criterion that can be used to determine which action or state of affairs is best

pleasure

• positive feeling related to experiences of joy, contentment, gratification, comfort, etc.

• pleasure is always considered good, regardless of where it originates

actual pleasures

pleasures actually experienced in the moment

potential pleasures

future pleasures; those not yet experienced but anticipated

Epicurus

• advocates for distinguishing momentary pleasures from enduring pleasures, and not every pleasure is worthy of being chosen.

• delays immediate gratification for longer term benefit is important: one must has practical wisdom

• Studied with followers of Plato and Aristotle but ultimately rejected both as overly theoretical Founded his own school called The Garden (everyone is welcome - no distinction)

momentary pleasures

brief positive physical or emotional experiences

enduring pleasures

positive experiences that last a long time

Kinetic pleasures

• pleasure experienced through some kind of action. The pleasure of attending to a need

• “Felt needs” (hunger, thirst) can be removed by eating or drinking, for instance

• any time a want is satisfied or a pain removed, through action or motion

• goes away when the activity goes away

Static Pleasure

• pleasurable states that arise form when pains, lacks, deficiencies, or frustrations have been removed

• state of having no pain

• “static pleasure gives rise to a stable condition” that can be prolonged

Ataraxia: the ultimate end of life

• tranquility

• a state of not having tarachai (troubles)

• not about being passive or blissed

• is about unimpeded activity of the human organism in its natural condition

  • using all of your faculties without strain and without obstruction from fear, hunger, and disease

• the mind (reason) works with an awareness of bodily functioning to keep things working smoothly

• mental pleasures are not better than bodily pleasures; both are natural parts of life

Vain Desires

• unnatural

• based on empty and false beliefs

• pointless

• self-defeating

• excessive

• conditioned

• provide no enduring stability

Natural desires

• have limits

• contribute to ataraxia

• products of nature

Natural and Necessary Desires

• for life (simple): food and water

• for happiness: friendship and virtue

• for comfort: shelter and clothing

Natural and unnecessary

• in accordance with nature, but no essential (sex, gourmet foods)

Tetrapharmakos

tetra (four) + pharmakos (remedy, cure)

1. Don’t fear the gods

2. Don’t fear death

3. What is necessary is easy to get

4. What is terrible is easy to endure