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Ethics and Hedonism

Credit: thoughtco.com

Ethics (or Moral Philosophy) is concerned with how individuals should act, as well as the search for a definition of appropriate behavior (defined as that which results in the greatest good) and the good life (in the sense of a life worth living or a life that is satisfying or happy). The term "ethics" comes from the Greek word "ethos" (meaning "habit"). Ethics is distinct from morals and morality in that it refers to the notion of right action and the larger good, whereas morals refers to how it is carried out. Ethics comprises a person's entire moral ideals and practices, as well as their philosophy of life, and is not restricted to specific acts or stated moral rules. It raises questions like How should people act? (Normative ethics), What do people think is right? (Descriptive ethics), How do we put moral knowledge into practice? (Applied ethics), and What’s the meaning of right? (Meta ethics). 

The term Hedonism refers to a group of views regarding what is good for us, how we should act, and what motivates us to act in certain ways. Pleasure and pain are the only important ingredients in all hedonistic theories, regardless of the phenomena they are meant to explain. Hedonistic theories would not be nearly as contentious if they defined pleasure and suffering as two significant factors rather than the only important parts of what they are describing. The argument that pleasure and suffering are the only things that matter in the end is what distinguishes hedonism and makes it philosophically fascinating.

Can Hedonism Lead Us to Happiness?

Credit: Leading with Trust
Philosophical hedonists are primarily interested in hedonistic theories of value, particularly well-being (the good life for the one living it). Hedonism is a value theory that states that all and only pleasure is fundamentally worthwhile, while all and only pain is not. Hedonists frequently use a broad definition of pleasure and pain that encompasses both physical and mental occurrences. Thus, a light massage and recalling a happy memory are both deemed pleasurable, but stubbing a toe and learning of a loved one's death are both considered painful. Hedonism as a theory about what is valuable to us is immediately appealing since pleasure and suffering are so clearly defined. Indeed, the popularity of hedonism is proven by the fact that practically all historical and contemporary presentations of happiness include at least some discussion of it. Unfortunately according to the articles that I have read about hedonism, debates rarely support it, and some even criticize its emphasis on pleasure. Trying to find happiness only through hedonism, on the other hand, leads to a sense of meaninglessness and emptiness in the long term. In the same way that a garden that has been well cultivated becomes fertile and abundant, a life built on flows and self development becomes rich with meaning and fulfillment.


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