“Eight Theories of Ethics: Hedonism” by Graham Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

In this chapter, the author primarily focuses on the philosophical concept of Hedonism. In his analysis, he thoroughly dissects different historical approaches and the evolution of this particular set of views over time (Graham, 2004). The author attempts to highlight the most prominent contradictions that arise from the theory and provide a reasonable assessment of its practical implementation in comparison with other philosophical concepts.

Hedonism suggests that the most desirable life for a human being is the one filled with as much pleasure and as less pain as possible. This idea was first introduced by the Cyrenaics in Ancient Greece. They believed that pleasure is the only natural good that can be recognized universally. The author emphasizes the impossibility of enjoying bodily pleasures without suffering from the consequences of this particular lifestyle.

The theory was later adjusted by the Epicureans who implied that a person should only enjoy gentle pleasures in a relatively mild manner. However, the author deems this approach as questionable due to restrictions one must endure to relish delicate pleasures. He points out that these acquired pleasures can no longer be viewed as natural, and therefore this idea does not correspond to the natural appeal of the original theory.

John Sturt Mill claimed that one should differentiate pleasures in terms of value. He introduced the notion of lower and higher pleasures that bring a different quality of satisfaction. According to the author, such distinction between pleasures is vague and based only on subjective judgment, and thus it raises more questions than settles.

Finally, by referring to Aristotle’s view on pleasure, he discovers the fundamental structural inconsistency within the initial theory. According to the text, persistent hedonists often confuse pleasure with pleasurable sensations. While pain is clearly defined, pleasure appears to be much more complex. Stated examples prove: not all activities that bring joy are necessarily connected with bodily pleasure.

The author indicates that this asymmetry between pain and pleasure within the framework of Hedonism is the reason why the concept ultimately fails to provide clear guidance on how to live the most desirable life. In conclusion, he states that in order to comprehend the image of a good life, we must instead focus on the idea of happiness rather than pleasure.

Reference

Graham, G. (2004). Eight Theories of Ethics. Routledge.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2022, September 18). “Eight Theories of Ethics: Hedonism” by Graham. https://ivypanda.com/essays/eight-theories-of-ethics-hedonism-by-graham/

Work Cited

"“Eight Theories of Ethics: Hedonism” by Graham." IvyPanda, 18 Sept. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/eight-theories-of-ethics-hedonism-by-graham/.

References

IvyPanda. (2022) '“Eight Theories of Ethics: Hedonism” by Graham'. 18 September.

References

IvyPanda. 2022. "“Eight Theories of Ethics: Hedonism” by Graham." September 18, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/eight-theories-of-ethics-hedonism-by-graham/.

1. IvyPanda. "“Eight Theories of Ethics: Hedonism” by Graham." September 18, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/eight-theories-of-ethics-hedonism-by-graham/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "“Eight Theories of Ethics: Hedonism” by Graham." September 18, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/eight-theories-of-ethics-hedonism-by-graham/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1