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Hedonism ;the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life.
What are your general thoughts on the issue?

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  • 13 votes
zorialoki 8 Apr 30
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14 comments

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0

The highest good in my view is to help each other and so better our society,hedonism is selfish and will create many worse off so you can wallow in self pleasure.

2

“Fulfillment of human desire” was one of the tenets of the Buddhism I practiced.

HOWEVER having the wisdom to cultivate healthy desires was equally as important.

Happiness (fulfillment) gotten at the undesired expense of others was not considered acceptable, “true” happiness.

Still, it was in the pursuit of human desire that one is to achieve such true or higher happiness.

The desire for this true happiness is the ultimate goal, or human desire...

Ungod Level 6 Apr 30, 2018
3

The theory of Hedonism isn't the problem. What causes issues is when humans attempt to apply it. Beware of becoming Ayn Rand.

1

Spent my entire life taking care of others (younger brothers, drunken wife-beating first hubby, narcisstic user philandering second hubby.) Finally Woke The Hell up at age 66!
Stand back!

2

I wish that there was an option for mildly interested in hedonism.

Tara2 Level 4 Apr 30, 2018

sorry, i didn't think of that one

2

I am a hedonist and always have been.

I enjoy my life and seek pleasure in the simple things. I strive to do no harm, but as a petrol head, realise that there has to be a balance. So I offset my carbon footprint with better choices elsewhere.

I love my work - I'm fortunate to have made choices which allow me to enjoy a stress free job which pays enough for me to live on. I can't do everything I want as it doesn't pay enough, but that is the trade off.

Hedonism need not be selfish, and indeed, should not be selfish.

I believe that everybody should be free to do what they want, when they want, with whoever they want. BUT. And this is a big but - If the person or people affected are not free to make the same choice, then don't do it. We are social animals, so to make things work we need to work together. I also find a simple pleasure in being nice to others, regardless of how rude they are to me (self-righteousness can feel really good!)

If you are doing things you have to (study/work) to make you unhappy, then you are getting something desperately wrong.

0

I’ve been studying Epicurus and his is a hedonistic philosophy. But it promotes a balance where “enlightenment” is achived for a moment when stress, “evil,” is removed.

6

Our silly moralistic views make hedonism into something ugly. If people can have fun and enjoy our very short lives then why not? Why make a big deal out of it?

4

If it feels good do it, as long as you hurt no one else in the process. You get handed enough pain in life. There is certainly nothing wrong with finding some pleasure to create balance. ?

@TheMiddleWay What part of not hurting people did you not understand? ?

@TheMiddleWay If a person is sadistic by nature they have more issues than any theology will ever help

@zorialoki They should look around for someone who desires to be whipped...they are seeking enjoyment in Their own way, right?

@zorialoki what does theology supposed to do to help I thought part of theology push to study about an imaginary friend or friends or something that you don't see

@TheMiddleWay - Sometimes an “ism” is not a way or philosophy with typical “rights and wrongs”.

Atheism is not a philosophy but a DESCRIPTION of philosophy.

Hedonism is a pursuit, if I understand things correctly. The pursuit of pleasure.

Whether or not that causes another’s pain is not an issue.

@Sticks48, @TheMiddleWay You can also find someone who likes to be hurt!

Dysfunctional couples seem to often do this - one quirk fits another’s need.

Some people like to control, some like to be controlled, for example.

But most of us look down on controlling or being controlled in a relationship as something quite unacceptable!

@Ungod l think you are one of those people who likes to hear themselves type. ☺

@Sticks48 You’re a snob...

@Ungod You're a bore, l would rather be a snob.

0

I think this is a sophomoric belief system. The philosophical notion that whether something is right or wrong should be governed by proper execution of language, and it should not be mistranslated into self-destructive notions such as hedonism.

I do not see hedonism as either destructive nor the runaway train you are claiming it to be

@zorialoki Interesting. I would like to know what thoughts on hedonism you have, then.

@zorialoki - It’s just the pursuit of pleasure...

1

There is Yearly Hedo resort spot / Meetup, but we haven't been able to go yet. On the bucket list.

I have always wanted to go there also

I’ll be sure to HEDON over to the next one...

2

We all enjoy our creature comforts and it seems the more we age we don't get older we 'age' ) the worse that becomes. However, we also don't question the cost of that Hedonism which is high. Food choices is a hedonistic, sensuous pleasure which can be very high if we eat meats. Climate control for our homes is also often based on Hedonism. The list goes on. For me it is a balancing act. Be informed and find ways to compromise.

Compromise is always a good choice

Can’t you get pleasure from healthy foods or creating a healthy climate in the home?

@Ungod Of course but I view hedonism as somewhat negative.

@JackPedigo - Getting pleasure from healthy food is “somewhat negative”???

@JackPedigo, @zorialoki - I’d say compromise is SOMETIMES a good choice!

@Ungod Depends on what one defines as "healthy". Meat eaters think vegetarians can't be healthy unless they have abundant animal protein. This is another complicated issue many of us want to make simple.

2

I am and have always been a Hedonist. I strive in all that I do to do/cause no harm.

4

Alumni of Hedosism III, Negril, Jamaica

I had heard of hedonism II, was not aware they were up to III

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