| Papers [1-14] of 14 | Search results on "HEDONISM": |
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Hedonism, 2004.
This paper compares the philosophies of Jeremy Bentham and Robert Nozick regarding hedonism.
1,130 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
The writer of this article examines the philosophies of Jeremy Bentham and Robert Nozick regarding their beliefs on hedonism and human action. The writer discusses the moral theory of each man. The writer also looks at intrinsic values. In this paper the search for pleasure and happiness versus the search for authenticity are discussed. The writer also studies Bentham's utilitarian philosophy.
From the Paper
"The basic definition of hedonism is that feelings of pleasure or happiness are the principle objective of conduct. From an ethical perspective this means that whatever causes pleasure is right. Within this perspective however, there are many caveats. Pleasure for whom for example and what kind of pleasure constitutes the highest good. The Utilitarian philosophy of Jeremy Bentham identifies happiness with pleasure judging the rightness of actions from the happiness they lead to that may be considered as a form of hedonism. In his essay Classical Hedonism he argues that ... "
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Hedonism and Self-Realization, 2005.
A discussion regarding the ethical philosophies to facilitate the process of achieving self-fulfillment.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the ethical philosophies of hedonism and self-realization. It examines both of these principles, as well as compares the elements involved in their methods. The paper then makes a determination as to the reasons that one of these concepts is more likely to aid the individual in achieving self-fulfillment through ethical behavior than the other.
From the Paper
"Both hedonism and self-realization are views that focus on ethical behavior in modern society. As many within the world are consistently searching for a path that will lead them to a fuller, more satisfied existence it is evident that deciding upon ethical standards for living is imperative for each individual. Hedonism and self-realization are two philosophies of personal ethics that are considered by many to be predominant personal choices in ethical behavior. Hedonism is a term from the Greeks that contended that suggested that the idea of pleasure was the ultimate achievement of man, and if the result of an action was pleasurable then the greatest good had been achieved. Epicurus was the Greek figure that suggested that when an individual sought pleasure his or her desires were then satisfied and a form of tranquility was met. "
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Philosophy and Society, 1990.
A presentation of hedonism as the best philosophical stance for the good of society. Argues that hedonism will provide society of free, self-fulfilled individuals. Also presents and refutes arguments against hedonism.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 104.95
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From the Paper
Philosophy and Society
"Hedonism is the best philosophical stance for the good of society because it ensures that each member of the society works toward his or her greatest pleasure. Hedonism emphasizes the free, rational choice of each individual which stems from desire that is motivated by pleasure. It is, in other words, a totally non-coercive system that supports the development of a society of free, self-fulfilled, individuals.
Best Argument in Defense of Theory
Although hedonism can be considered as simply an aspect of ethical egoism, there are a number of variations within hedonism itself and it can fruitfully be explored as a separate..."
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"The Palm-Wine Drinkard", 2002.
Analyzes the theme of hedonism in Amos Tutuola's "The Palm-Wine Drinkard".
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss Amos Tutuola's "The Palm-Wine Drinkard" and reveal a topic in the story that seems to stand out and tell how the writer is conveying a message to his audience. By revealing the topical information behind the main ideas if the story, a better understanding can be made for this type of mythological/literary tale, that tells of how people can get lost through the pleasures that life has to offer. The topic that will be covered is the idea of hedonism within the tale that may reveal how the author reveals his sense of consumerism throughout the story.
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Apollonian/Dionysian Dichotomy, 1999.
Examines the conflict between reason and hedonism in literature & philosophy: Euripides, [Epic of Gilgamesh], Plato, Machiavelli, Shakespeare and more.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, AU$ 92.95
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From the Paper
" In Greek mythology, Apollo represents an aspect of the Greek ideal and a characteristic element of Greek civilization--the perpetually vigorous and graceful young man, contrasted with his half-brother Dionysus. Dionysus is the wild and enthusiastic zealot, while Apollo is calm and orderly, balancing vigor and reason. The Apollonian/Dionysian dichotomy is found expressed in literature both before the time of the Greek Golden Age and after, suggesting that there is something elementary and even primal in the pairing.
Dionysus was the central figure in a major cult of the Greek world, a cult that would have a long-term influence in mythology, religion, and literature. Dionysus was a pan-Hellenic god who was widely celebrated throughout the Archaic period and honored at dramatic contests with tragedies and comedies. His was also.."
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Epicureanism, 2001.
Describes the philosophy of Epicurus, which held that a life of pleasure was the highest good. Discusses the strong moral sense that differentiates Epicureanism from Hedonism.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, AU$ 46.95
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From the Paper
"Epicureanism is a philosophy which emphasizes that freedom from pain in the body and from trouble in the mind should be the goal of a happy life. This was the philosophy taught by the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who lived from 341 to 270 BC. Many people assume that Epicureanism is simply a devotion to pleasure, comfort, and high living with little thought for the consequences, but the truth is more complex. Indeed, this should be seen in the fact that Epicurus was seen in his lifetime and for centuries afterward as a moral reformer, for the ideas he had on how a person should live were based on his understanding of the natural world and on his beliefs about the relationship between body and soul. Epicureanism is an appealing philosophy because of its moral sense combined with its understanding of the need of the human being for a happy life as an overriding goal..."
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Hedonistic Act-Utilitarianism, 2007.
An examination of the various types of utilitarianism, particularly hedonistic act-utilitarianism, and their applications to life.
3,128 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 133.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and discusses the concept of hedonistic act-utilitarianism. It discusses the importance of morality in society and how the theory of morality changes depending on how one defines one's social obligations. It then describes the utilitarian theory and how a Utilitarian may view an act. The paper goes on to discuss rule utilitarianism and the various types of utilitarianism, such as hedonism and egoism. The paper concludes by exploring the concept of hedonistic act-utilitarianism and its applications.
Table of Contents:
Heroism and the Call to Duty
Utilitarianism and Justice
Hedonism and Egoism
What, Other Than Pleasure, Is Valuable?
Issues of Utilitarian Impartiality
From the Paper
"According to Hurka and Copp (pp. 357-380) utilitarianisms affects the groups, more so than the individual. Therefore, the same dilution effect can be seen in the division of the greater social good. When one considers the group, everyone receives a smaller piece of the pie. The plausibility of hedonism in a utilitarian act depends on one's definition of pleasure and how the group dynamics work as far as spreading the rewards and punishments to their members. It is plausible to have hedonism and utilitarianism together. However, one must be careful to qualify their definitions. One can speak of the hedonistic acts of an individual or the hedonistic acts of a group. It is plausible for a group to have hedonistic act-utilitarian. However, this is more difficult for the individual because of the differences in perception. The answer to the question lies in which microscope one uses to examine the issue."
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Jeremy Bentham, 2006.
This paper focuses on the life and contributions of English jurist, social reformist, political thinker and philosopher Jeremy Bentham.
1,092 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the impact of Jeremy Bentham on Britain's judicial system. This paper discusses the England's corrupt legal system during the 18th and 19th centuries which Bentham succeeded in considerably reforming. This paper analyzes the political thinker's approach to social reform. The writer of this paper delves into Bentham's insightful views and opinions pertaining to political liberty, hedonism and psychological egoism. This paper also examines Bentham's considerable impact on the British Parliament which upon Bentham's death passed the Reform Bill, which extricated political power from the ruling nobility and bestowed it upon British population.
From the Paper
"The basis for Bentham's theory of government necessarily starts from his ethical propositions; both of these depend upon his principle of utility he called this the "greatest happiness" principle. Bentham identifies happiness with pleasure, and supposes that the rightness or wrongness of actions can only be accurately comprehended upon a scale of pleasure and pain, happiness and unhappiness. This makes him a hedonist, but he is a utilitarian hedonist in that he believes that human actions should be measured along these guidelines based upon their definitive outcomes. The outcome of purely moral actions spreads this principle throughout all of society: "It is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong."
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Themes in "Brave New World", 2008.
This paper compares the themes of social control and pleasure seeking in "A Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, to modern American society.
1,228 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the two main themes of social control and hedonism in the novel "A Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, and compares these themes to modern American society. Specifically, the paper takes a deeper look at these issues and asserts that when it comes to control of society in "Brave New World", there lies a more totalitarian government than American present society, which holds a democratic government where individual thinking is permitted. Also, entertainment is very important to life in "Brave New World", and our society holds a shockingly similar parallel regarding both the importance of and reactions to entertainment. However, the author also believes that while the novel is far reaching in the extremes of its topics, the similarities and differences can foretell a future that may not be too far away from now.
From the Paper
"Alienating people with individual thinking is another method the World State uses to control their society. Individual thinking is dangerous to the World State, which is why
one will be banished if he or she does not do what society does. When everyone thinks in uniformity, then will their society have stability. In our society, individual thinking can sometimes be encouraged and discouraged. One example of individual thinking would be having the freedom of speech. This was a right that was fought for many times and is still being practiced today. Instances when individual thinking is somewhat discouraged in our society would be on the subject of patriotism. If one speaks out against our country, they would most likely be deemed a traitor and would face disapproval from peers. When one does not want to be the subject of scorn, alienation is a powerful method to control society."
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Mill's on Welfare, 2004.
A discussion on whether John Mill's account of welfare is that of a hedonist or whether he places value in factors other than pleasure.
1,421 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how John Mills proposes that welfare consists solely of the maximisation of pleasure and how the amount of pleasure derived from experiences is affected by their intensity and length. It considers whether Mills is a Benthamite hedonist or whether he values things other than pleasure. It also looks at how Mills does allow things other than pleasure affect welfare, but tries to remain a hedonist by making a distiction between higher and lower pleasures - thus allowing him to remain a hedonist by overcoming some of the problems of hedonism.
From the Paper
"It is very difficult to believe that Mill really does value higher pleasures solely for the greater pleasure they are supposed to generate. That Mill's account of welfare is to some extent an answer to critics, who he says saw it as a 'doctrine worthy only of swine', furthers the suspicion that these higher pleasures are valued for reasons other than the pleasure associated with them. Either one can view Mill as an extremely dull character incapable of enjoying lower pleasures or as some kind of moralist with a mission to promote the intellectual sources of his higher pleasures. If one is to take him as the former their are still problems with his account, for example his insistence that reading poetry is a higher pleasure, aside from questions of elitism or pretension, seems contradictory as a large proportion of poetry deals with lower pleasures - it does not make sense to rank reading about love in poetry as a higher pleasure than actually experiencing it first hand."
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"Fight Club", 2000.
A discussion of the different themes of the film "Fight Club".
2,614 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 114.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the film "Fight Club" starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton and discusses the themes that are emphasized through discussions, interactions and non-dialogue scenes between the main character, his imaginary sidekick and the society that has had such effect on the main character. It looks at how most of the scenes have mainly to do with the materialism in society and its limits on the freedom, which the characters are trying to obtain and how others deal with how the movie?s characters feel a sense of alienation which distorts relationships developing due to their self-determination. It also discusses hedonism and how in general it affects the way we treat each other and how we interact within society.
From the Paper
"Whereas materialism is directly discussed in several scenes and aspects of the movie, the theme of materialism also ties into the self-determination of society as a whole and several other themes essential in the movie. The Any Man has a phone conversation with investigators working on the case of who blew up his apartment. In this conversation the Any Man gets defensive of whether or not he actually blew up his own apartment. He states how his stuff was his life, and how his belongings meant so much to his existence and happiness. Tyler, the alter ego, then states in a discussion with the Any Man, ?the things you own, end up owning you,? showing just how materialism can draw you away from your goal of happiness."
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"The Great Gatsby", 2002.
This essay discusses Scott F. Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby".
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 5 sources, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper demonstrates that the novel, in all of its hedonism and excess, is a portrait of the Jazz Age . The author points out Jay Gatsby's pursuit of materialism and image at the expense of personal truth and happiness.
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Societal Compassion, 2005.
This paper discusses the reaction of Americans to the Asian tsunami disaster as an example of societal compassion.
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Rousseau's "Discourse on Inequality" states that the problem with humans is that they are good innately but, as they grow into society, they acquire bad traits. The author points out that the charitable response to the terrible tsunami was made possible by the speed of the internet and it ability to reach around the globe. The paper states that families of America need stronger spiritual and moral leadership in order to be able to instill practical values of compassion and caring in their children, who are showing signs of being disenfranchised from traditional middle class values and of pursuing pure hedonism.
Table of Content
Introduction
Examples of Compassion in Contemporary Events
Compassion towards Tsunami Victims through Creative Fund-raising
Changes in the USA so Compassion Flows without Impediment
From the Paper
"First, a brief look at Rousseau's writing, as background: In the very first sentence of his "Discourse on Inequality" (DOI) Rousseau spells out that part of his approach to the problem will be to "try to combine right sanctions" so that "justice and utility in no case may be divided." Justice, we can assume, in this case, is a word used in describing the "compassion" that drives humans. "Utility" is the practical realities of the human condition, we must assume."
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Mass Media, 2005.
This paper discusses how the mass media determines the social construction of reality.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 156.95
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Abstract
The paper examines propaganda models of the mass media. The paper addresses the results of the social construction of reality and future media, and whether one takes a pill towards living with hedonism, ignoring reality, or another pill towards informing oneself and trying to change the world. The paper also addresses Chomsky's model of manufacturing dissent and its different implications.
From the Paper
"The social construction of reality determines how one views the world and is increasingly and overwhelmingly shaped by the mass media. The future will see more influence of the kind from technologies, artificial intelligence and total immersion in this influence cum experience. An important concept is one of media saturation in developed countries, through the last decades, so that most people are sharing a created view of the environment and events. It seems very likely that this trend will continue, with fewer people learning to observe critically or to detect signs and patterns in mass media presentations to indicate what is really occurring."
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