hedonizm

Hedonizm is a family of ethical and psychological theories that regard pleasure, or the absence of pain, as the primary or sole intrinsic good. Different forms distinguish what counts as pleasure, what counts as bad, and how to weigh short-term gratification against long-term well-being. The term derives from the Greek hēdonē, meaning pleasure.

The earliest systematic hedonists were the Cyrenaics, led by Aristippus of Cyrene, who argued that pleasure is the immediate aim of life and should guide action. Later, the Epicureans offered a refined version: true pleasure consists in the absence of pain (ataraxia) and the cultivation of simple, moderate pleasures that promote long-term tranquility.

Variants: Ethical hedonism claims that actions are right if they maximize pleasure or minimize pain for those involved. Psychological hedonism holds that humans are psychologically disposed to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Utilitarian theories often align with a form of ethical hedonism by treating aggregate happiness as a key value, but many utilitarians also account for other factors.

Critique and defense: Critics argue that hedonism oversimplifies human life and can justify selfishness or neglect of higher goods. Defenders point to considerations of well-being, desires, and the complexity of pleasures, noting that some pleasures can be reliable indicators of welfare when pursued in moderation.

Contemporary use: In philosophy, hedonism remains a central term used to analyze motivation and value. In everyday language, it denotes a lifestyle oriented toward sensory or experiential pleasure, sometimes with moral scrutiny.