When hedonism is discussed, it is usually seen through debauchery, egoism, and over-indulgence. While these are two well-known and typically respected theories within philosophy, the general connotation of hedonism in the modern world is negative. This is often closely related to another idea called Utilitarian Hedonism, which shares a lot of similar focuses. This ethical theory states that pleasure is the only thing that has intrinsic value. This concept is based on conduct seen in all kinds of people and situations.Īxiological or Ethical Hedonism is a theory based on the idea that the only precious thing we should pursue is pleasure. Motivational or Psychological Hedonism believes virtually all human behavior is based around the base urges and desires to decrease pain and increase pleasure.

Within that, multiple different kinds of hedonism are grouped into the same umbrella. Technically speaking, hedonism is a philosophy that believes that the highest good in life is achieving pleasure and achieving well-being. Read on to find out about the definition of hedonism, where the word and ideas come from, and what it looks like today. While we can’t give you all the answers about whether a hedonistic lifestyle is morally reprehensible or not, we’re here to provide you with the basics of what it is.

To some people, this pursuit of pleasure is the core reality of life, while others believe that it is a way of life that is ultimately destructive. While one person’s form of hedonism might look different from someone else’s, this philosophical concept is something that unites virtually everyone on Earth - to an extent.

It’s a somewhat controversial subject in the realm of philosophy, and it has plenty of implications in the modern world. Hedonism is a group of theories and mentalities based on these ideas. Each person lives with different definitions of pleasure, but everyone is looking to achieve a perfect state of well-being at the end of the day. To some people, this can be seen as the pursuit of the “good life.” To others, this looks like the maximization of happiness in as many places as possible. If there’s one thing that everyone in the world can agree upon, it’s that the pursuit of happiness is a core desire of humanity.

Hedonism meaning