What Is Hedonism? An Ethics Explainer by The Ethics Centre

What is hedonism?

Hedonism is closely associated with utilitarianism. Where utilitarianism says ethical actions are ones that maximise the overall good of a society, hedonism takes it a step further by defining good as pleasure.

There are different perspectives on what pleasure and pain really mean. For Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher, pleasure was the absence of pain. Though his name has become synonymous with indulgence Epicurean holidays, afood appcalled Epicurious he advocated finding pleasure in a simple life with a bland diet.

If we live a rich, complex lifestyle we risk suffering more when it ends. Best not to love them to begin with, he suggests.

John Stuart Millbelieved in a hierarchy of pleasures. Although sensory pleasuresmight be the most intense, it was fitting for higher order beings like humans to enjoy higher order pleasures like art. It is better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a pig satisfied, he said. (With evidence to suggest pigs canorgasm for up to fifteen minutes, Mills account feels a little incomplete).

Most people will agree pleasure and pain are important for determining the value of something. Thats not enough to make you a hedonist. What makes hedonism unique is the claimonlypleasure and pain matter. Thats where people tend to be more hesitant.

The philosopherRobert Nozickwanted people tofeel the pinch of measuring life only based on pain and pleasure. He developed a thought experiment calledthe experience machine.

Imagine a machine that can plug into your brain and simulate the most pleasurable life you could imagine. It would respond to your specific desires you could be a rock star, philosopher or space cowboy depending on what was most pleasurable. But if you plugged in, you could never unplug. Plus, although youdfeelas though you were experiencing amazing things, youd be floating in a vat, feeding through a tube.

Nozick thought most people would choose not to plug into the machine proving there was more to life than pleasure and pain. But Nozicks argument depends on peoples lives being of a certain quality. Its easier to value hard work and authenticity if youre confident your life will be pretty pleasurable. For those living in constant fear, pain, or misery, perhaps the authenticity of their experience matters less than some simple moments of bliss.

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What Is Hedonism? An Ethics Explainer by The Ethics Centre