hedonism
HEE-duh-niz-um
/ˈhiːdənɪzəm/
The ethical theory that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and proper aim of human life.
In formal ethics, it treats pleasure as fundamental intrinsic value; in popular usage, it often implies self-indulgent sensory gratification.
The story behind the word. Derived from Ancient Greek 'hedone' (pleasure or delight), hedonism was systematically developed by Aristippus of Cyrene, a pupil of Socrates who asserted that immediate physical pleasure was the sole human good.
Word relationships
- sensualism: Sensualism specifically implies physical sensory gratification, whereas hedonism encompasses mental and emotional pleasure.
- asceticism: Asceticism is the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence.
Commonly confused with
- utilitarianism: Hedonism specifies pleasure as the highest good, while utilitarianism uses utility (which can be hedonistic or non-hedonistic) to calculate collective welfare.
Word family
- hedonist (noun): A person who believes pleasure is the chief good
- hedonistic (adjective): Engaged in or devoted to the pursuit of pleasure
Collocations
- ethical hedonism
- psychological hedonism
- pursuit of hedonism
Example sentences
- "Epicurus advocated a refined form of hedonism centered on tranquility and freedom from mental anxiety rather than sensory overindulgence." History of philosophy
- "Critics argued that modern consumer culture encourages an unbridled commercial hedonism at the expense of community values." Social critique
Memory hook
HE DOES IS enjoy pleasure: HE-DON-ISM centers on pleasure. Happiness and pleasure above all.
When not to use
Avoid using in formal academic contexts to mean mere reckless partying; philosophical hedonism includes quiet intellectual tranquility (Epicureanism).
Fun facts
- The Cyrenaic school of hedonism taught that physical pleasures were far superior to mental pleasures because physical pain was far more acute.
Related words
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