Hedonism Flashcards
What is Ethical Hedonism, and how does it evaluate actions?
Ethical Hedonism asserts that people not only seek pleasure but should prioritize it morally, as pleasure alone is deemed morally good. It evaluates actions based on the pleasure they yield.
What are the two main types of hedonism?
The two types of hedonism are Aristippan hedonism and Epicureanism
How does Aristipus define virtue, and what is his emphasis regarding pleasure?
Aristippus defines virtue as the capacity for enjoyment and emphasise the quantity of pleasure. He believe happiness accrues to the virtuous individual, focusing on sensual or physical enjoyment of the immediate present.
What distinguishes Epicureanism from Aristippan hedonism regarding pleasure?
Epicureanism emphasizes the quality of pleasure, placing mental or spiritual pleasures above physical gratification. It prioritizes tranquility and freedom from anxiety as components of the pleasant life.
According to Epicurus, what are dynamic pleasures, and how are they different from passive pleasures?
Dynamic pleasures are those that result in pain, such as drinking excessively or engaging in gluttony. Passive pleasures do not entail pain and are regarded as desirable, contributing to tranquility.
What virtues does Epicurus associate with tranquility, and how does he view social involvement?
Epicurus associates cheerfulness, simplicity, and moderation with virtues that bring tranquility. He generally repudiates excessive social involvement, advocating for the simplicity of isolated communities with supportive friends.
How does Epicureanism view suffering and anxiety?
Epicureanism suggests that suffering for the promise of future goods can be advisable, but anxiety is considered the greatest threat to peace of mind. Epicurus believed in abolishing the fear of death to achieve tranquility.
Why does Epicurus emphasize satisfaction of needs as a source of happiness?
Epicurus believes that satisfaction of needs brings perfect happiness through fulfillment. He prioritizes painlessness but acknowledges that simple pleasures derived from fulfilling needs contribute to overall well-being.
What role does friendship play in Epicurean philosophy?
Friendship is considered the greatest possession a wise person can have and is regarded as a passive pleasure that adds to the worth of life. Epicurus values friendship within supportive communities of like-minded individuals
How does Epicurus exemplify his philosophy in his own life?
Despite considering pleasure the supreme goal in life, Epicurus lived a life marked by simplicity. He believed happiness was attainable through plain living and genial philosophic company, showcasing a commitment to his principles of moderation and tranquility.
Compare and contrast Aristippan Hedonism with Epicureanism in terms of their views on pleasure. How do their respective definitions of virtue and happiness contribute to their understanding of the good life?
Aristippan Hedonism, as advocated by Aristippus of Cyrene, emphasizes the quantity of pleasure, defining virtue as the capacity for enjoyment. Happiness, according to Aristippan Hedonism, stems from immediate sensual or physical enjoyment, as the present moment is within one’s control. On the other hand, Epicureanism, led by Epicurus, focuses on the quality of pleasure, prioritizing mental or spiritual pleasures over physical gratification. Epicureans seek a life marked by tranquility, freedom from anxiety, and contentment through virtues like cheerfulness and moderation. While both philosophies agree that pleasure is the ultimate goal, they differ in their approach to attaining it and in their understanding of virtue and happiness.
Discuss the role of moderation in Aristippan Hedonism and Epicureanism. How do these philosophies view excess pleasure, and what implications does this have for leading a good life?
In both Aristippan Hedonism and Epicureanism, moderation plays a crucial role in leading a good life. While Aristippan Hedonism encourages enjoyment of pleasure without becoming its slave, Epicureanism emphasizes that excess pleasure is unnecessary for happiness. Both philosophies caution against indulgence beyond what is necessary for contentment, as excessive pleasure can lead to pain and distress. Therefore, moderation is seen as essential for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life according to both Aristippan Hedonism and Epicureanism.
Examine the views of Aristippan Hedonism and Epicureanism on social involvement. How do they differ in their attitudes towards relationships, public service, and societal obligations?
Aristippan Hedonism generally advocates for enjoying pleasure without strict limitations on social involvement. While it acknowledges the importance of moderation, it does not outright reject social engagements such as marriage or public service. In contrast, Epicureanism tends to repudiate excessive social involvement, viewing certain relationships and societal obligations as sources of anxiety and distress. Epicurus believed that only friendships that contribute to tranquility and simplicity are worth pursuing, whereas other social engagements like marriage or public service are often associated with dynamic pleasures that lead to pain and worry.
Discuss the significance of mental peace and tranquility in Epicureanism. How does Epicurus propose to attain and maintain this state of mind, and why is it considered crucial for leading a good life?
Epicureanism places great emphasis on mental peace and tranquility as essential components of a good life. Epicurus believed that freedom from anxiety and worry is necessary for true happiness. To attain and maintain mental peace, Epicureans advocate for virtues like cheerfulness, simplicity, and moderation. They also emphasize the importance of avoiding unnecessary desires and fears, particularly the fear of death, which is seen as the greatest threat to peace of mind. By cultivating a state of tranquility, individuals can experience contentment and fulfillment, which are central to Epicurean philosophy.
Compare the attitudes of Aristippan Hedonism and Epicureanism towards suffering and future goods. How do these philosophies differ in their approaches to dealing with pain and pursuing long-term happiness?
Aristippan Hedonism generally does not encourage suffering for the promise of future goods, as it prioritizes immediate pleasure and enjoyment. In contrast, Epicureanism acknowledges that some suffering may be necessary for long-term happiness and advocates for moderation and the avoidance of unnecessary desires. Epicurus believed that excessive pursuit of pleasure could lead to pain and distress in the future, so he emphasized the importance of satisfying basic needs and avoiding unnecessary wants. While both philosophies seek happiness, they differ in their approaches to dealing with suffering and in their understanding of the relationship between present pleasure and future well-being.
