Enlightened Hedonism and the Will to Pleasure

[cemeinke]

In most discussions of ethics, hedonism is often called up as a negative example. It’s almost a given that the selfish act of increasing one’s pleasure is inherently flawed and contradicts numerous ethical principles, such as “providing for the greater good,” “the reduction of suffering,” or in some circles even “God’s will.” And yet, it is often

Comments

[disneyphile]

Excellent post!

I wish hedonism were more openly accepted. There would be a lot more happiness in the world, as people could just be themselves without fear of being "immoral".

[cemeinke]

I believe the time has come for a new morality

[ethelberga]

I don't see your enlightened hedonism as immoral, but then I don't see pleasure as being inherently immoral. There are certainly those who see self-denial as the highest virtue, and for them no hedonism would be appropriate. But how does self-denial for the sake of self-denial contribute to a greater good? Maybe it's my inner utilitarian, but wouldn't exploration and an exploration of pleasure - beyond the base, instant gratification sort - better benefit the greater good? There's a difference between taking one's pleasure at the expense of others and taking pleasure in all that there is on this big rock of ours.

I say this after an evening of reading restaurant reviews, watching top chef, and perusing yet another online cookbook of medieval recipes. I want to pursue new tastes in the worst way right now.

[cemeinke]

I completely agree and hope to develop this further over the coming weeks/months

[lspooreeyorick]

There he is, at the base of his mountain. HERMANOS!

I loved reading this-- and I think it's a brilliant idea. And I wish to hear more of it.

[cemeinke]

Heh - you may regret that, but for the time being I'm loving capturing this all down in my LJ. Next up essays retold through interpretive dance (in the Wiemar style).

[bluisherica]

No regret here, even if I wasn't the one you were responding to.

It's always lovely to see it down in writing, especially since it serves as the reminder I've been ignoring for the last year and a half.

Thank you,

E

(Now onto your next LJ post)

[bacondelight]

Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

[codenamedanger]

Now that I know this is here, I DO subscribe to your newsletter!

Brilliant stuff.