Hedonism

Happiness can be defined in many ways. In psychology, there are two popular conceptions of happiness: hedonic and eudaimonic. Hedonic happiness is achieved through experiences of pleasure and enjoyment, while eudaimonic happiness is achieved through experiences of meaning and purpose. Both kinds of happiness are achieved and contribute to overall well-being in different ways. • Psychologists conceive of happiness in two different ways: hedonic happiness, or pleasure and enjoyment, and eudaimonic happiness, or meaning and purpose. • Some psychologists champion either a hedonic or an eudaimonic idea of happiness. Most agree, however, that people require both hedonia and eudaimonia to flourish. • Hedonic adaptation states that people have a happiness set point they return to regardless of what’s happening in their lives. Defining Happiness While we know it when we feel it, Given the difficulty of coming to a consensus about how to define happiness, psychologists often refrain from using the term in their research. Instead, psychologists refer to well-being. While it could ultimately be seen as a synonym for happiness, conceptualizing well-being in psychological research has enabled scholars to better define and measure it. Even here, however, there are multiple conceptions of well-being. For example, Diener and his colleagues has defined subjective well-being as a combination of positive emotions and how much one appreciates and is satisfied with their life. Meanwhile, Ryff a...

Paradox of Hedonism Varieties of hedonism have been criticized from ancient to modern times. Along the way, philosophers have also considered the paradox of hedonism. The paradox is a common objection to hedonism, even if they often do not give that specific name to the objection. According to the paradox of hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure is self-defeating. This article examines this objection. There are several ambiguities that surround the use of this paradox, so first, a condensed conceptual history of the paradox of hedonism is presented. Second, it is explained that prudential hedonism is the best target of the paradox, and this is made clear by considering different hedonistic theories and meanings of the word hedonism. Third, it is claimed that the overly conscious pursuit of pleasure, instead of other definitions that emerge from the literature, best captures the kind of pursuit that might generate paradoxical effects. Fourth, there is a discussion on the implications of prudential hedonism. Fifth, different explanations of the paradox that can be traced in the literature are analysed, and the incompetence account is identified as the most plausible. Sixth, the implications of prudential hedonism are discussed. Finally, it is concluded that no version of the paradox provides a convincing objection against prudential hedonism. Table of Contents • • • • • • • • • • • • “I can’t get no satisfaction. ‘Cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try.” (The Rolling Stone...

This is the first article in our three-part series looking at I think I might be a hedonist. Are you imagining me snorting cocaine through $100 notes, a glass of champagne in one hand, the other fondling a stranger’s firm thigh? Before you judge me harshly, I know hedonism has a bad reputation, but it might be time to reconsider. What if, instead of a guaranteed one-way road to ruin, hedonism is good for your health? If we think of hedonism as the intentional savouring of simple pleasures – like playing in fallen leaves, moments of connection with friends, or cuddling the dog – then it probably is. Seeking and maximising these kinds of pleasures can boost our health and well-being. So where do our ideas of hedonism come from and how can we harness hedonism to improve our health and quality of life? Futurama’s Hedonism Bot knows what gives him pleasure, and it’s not always the usual suspects. We find these characters so compelling because they seem to reject the sensible, responsible way to live. They indulge their carnal appetites in ways we daren’t, with scant regard for consequences. We wait for their liver to rebel or their life to come crashing down around them, as of course it must. But this kind of behaviour is better termed Hedonism has its philosophical roots as far back as Plato and Socrates, but ancient Greek philosopher Today there are What is pleasure? It might help to think of Just as different experiences can bring a similar shiver of pleasure, the same exper...

ˈhēdəˌnizəm,ˈhedənˌizəm/ noun • the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence. synonyms:self-indulgence,pleasure-seeking,self-gratification,lotus-eating,sybaritism;More • the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life. Here’s a great explanation as to how I ended up on the pursuit of self-indulgence; in the summer of 2010, I traveled alone to Hedonism Resort ( also known as Hedonism II/Hedonism 2) in Negril, Jamaica as a gift from my parents for getting accepted into the prestigious University of Toronto. You read that right, my parents paid for my trip to a ‘swingers resort.’ At the time, I just figured this was a great idea because it was an 18+ resort and I wouldn’t have to deal with any children running around. My mom ( I think) was okay with sending me there because I needed to grow out of being a constantly covered up tomboy and learn to be more comfortable with my body. As an Eastern European, nude beaches were a regular occurrence for me as a child, but for some reason in my awkward teen years and into my early 20’s – showing skin was just NOT for me. I didn’t know what I was really getting myself into until I had a random conversation at the airport in Montego Bay with a nice family from Ohio. As we were all waiting for the shuttle bus that takes everyone to different resorts, one of the teenage boys in the family was perusing the various resort options. The typical Sandals, Riu et...

Resort Activities Spend your days and nights swimming, playing, dancing and laughing. Hedonism II has one of Jamaica’s most comprehensive aquatics centers and it’s all included. Indulge in a vast array of watersports ranging from sailing to PADI Scuba diving. Enjoy our top of the line equipment, professional staff and unparalleled location on the edge of seven mile beach, Negril. Set sail on a Catamaran, explore secret caves with a snorkeling adventure, chill on the deck listening to Reggae rhythms while sipping a refreshing cocktail, the choices are endless. We have beautiful secluded private beaches, and pools well as Hot Tubs on either side of the resort. Offering endless opportunities and there’s always something happening at Hedonism II. The possibilities don’t stop on dry land. Hedonism II provides plenty of excitement for guests who don’t want to get wet. Enjoy Tennis, day and night, on lighted courts surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. Whatever your heart desires you can experience it at Hedonism II. The options are endless, from a game of volleyball on the beach, a giant game of chess, pool in the pool or simply chilling out in one of our secluded hammocks or cabanas.