The term “hedonism” originates from the ancient Greek word meaning “pleasure” (Weijers, 2011). Motivational hedonism is a philosophical view that asserts human behavior is fundamentally driven by two primary motivations: avoiding pain and seeking pleasure. According to this perspective, all human actions, whether conscious or unconscious, are rooted in the desire to achieve pleasurable experiences or to avoid unpleasant ones.(Moore 2019)

For example:

• Avoiding pain: A person might work hard to pay bills on time to avoid the stress of penalties or financial issues.
• Seeking pleasure: Someone might choose to vacation at the beach because the activity brings happiness and relaxation.

Motivational hedonism does not necessarily mean that humans only seek short-term pleasures. Instead, it can involve long-term pleasures or the avoidance of pain in a broader context, such as saving for the future or maintaining health through diet and exercise.

And we can also see that, Ethical hedonism is the view that pleasure is the highest human value, while pain is devoid of value. This idea significantly influenced the development of utilitarianism, an ethical theory that determines what is good and right based on the principle of “the greatest happiness for the greatest number.” Utilitarianism has also shaped the foundations of modern democracy, emphasizing policies that maximize societal well-being. As Jeremy Bentham stated, humanity is governed by two masters, pain and pleasure, which guide our sense of right and wrong and determine our actions through a chain of causes and effects. This highlights that hedonism, from a philosophical perspective, extends far beyond self-indulgent pleasure, encompassing profound ideas about ethics, social responsibility, and collective happiness. (Bentham, J. (1789).

Hedonism, a philosophical perspective emphasizing pleasure and the avoidance of pain as measures of morality, has evolved into various interpretations over time. These interpretations extend beyond mere physical gratification to encompass broader experiences like artistic expression and intellectual growth (Moore, 2019).

The Core Idea
At its foundation, hedonism asserts that the moral value of an action lies in its capacity to produce pleasure or alleviate suffering. This principle applies universally, whether the pleasure arises from tangible sensations or intrinsic values like creativity and learning (Moore, 2019).

Altruistic Hedonism: Pleasure for All
Altruistic hedonism emphasizes maximizing happiness for the collective. Actions that increase the overall pleasure of humanity, such as large-scale philanthropy, exemplify this approach. For instance, a billionaire donating to causes that uplift communities demonstrates altruistic hedonism by deriving satisfaction from societal admiration and well-being (Cialdini & Kenrick, 1976).

Egotistical Hedonism: Self-Focused Pleasure
In contrast, egotistical hedonism advocates for actions that maximize personal pleasure, even at the expense of others. A common example is a drug addict who prioritizes short-term gratification over ethical considerations, balancing the pleasure of their actions against any accompanying guilt or consequences (Weijers, 2011).

Motivational Hedonism: Pleasure as a Driving Force
Motivational hedonism, also referred to as psychological hedonism, posits that the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain are fundamental human motivators. (Moore, 2019) theory influences disciplines like Freudian psychology and moral Darwinism ( Wiker, 2002) and suggesting that even seemingly altruistic or moral actions, such as telling the truth, may be driven by a desire to avoid greater discomfort (Daley, 1967)

Normative Hedonism: Life’s Ultimate Goal
Normative hedonism proposes that seeking pleasure is humanity’s ultimate purpose. Adherents often prioritize immediate gratification over long-term responsibilities, encapsulated by the “you only live once” mentality. Indulging in activities like excessive drinking or drug use illustrates this outlook, even when such actions lead to adverse long-term effects (Tiberius & Hall, 2010).

Criticism of Hedonism
Hedonism faces criticism for neglecting essential moral values like justice, truth, and freedom. Critics argue that a singular focus on pleasure oversimplifies the complexity of ethical decision-making, which requires consideration of multiple dimensions (Pradhan, 2015).

Balancing Pleasure and Morality
While hedonism offers an engaging framework for understanding morality, it is evident that ethical choices extend beyond the realms of pleasure and pain. As society grapples with intricate moral dilemmas, integrating diverse values into decision-making remains essential.

Hedonism, in its various interpretations, provides a compelling lens through which to examine morality, emphasizing the significance of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as guiding principles. From altruistic endeavors that benefit society to self-centered pursuits of personal gratification, the philosophy explores diverse motivations driving human behavior. However, its limitations become apparent when addressing complex ethical dilemmas that require a balance of values such as justice, truth, and responsibility. Ultimately, while hedonism offers valuable insights into human motivations, an integrative approach that considers broader moral dimensions is essential for navigating the complexities of ethical decision-making.

References :

Weijers, D. (2011). Hedonism. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved November 13, 2025, from http://www.iep.utm.edu/hedonism/

Moore, A. (2019). Hedonism. In E. N. Zalta & U. Nodelman (Eds.), The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University.

Bentham, J. (1789). Introduction to the principles of morals and legislation. Retrieved November 4, 2023, from https://www.laits.utexas.edu/poltheory/bentham/ipml/ipml.c01.html

Cialdini, R. B., & Kenrick, D. T. (1976). Altruism as hedonism: A social development perspective on the relationship of negative mood state and helping. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 34(5), 907–914. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.34.5.907

Tiberius, V., & Hall, A. (2010). Normative theory and psychological research: Hedonism, eudaimonism, and why it matters. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(3), 212–225. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439761003790971

Daley, J. (1967). Freud and hedonism. The Journal of Value Enquiry, 1, 198–210.

Pradhan, S. (2015). Critique of hedonism. Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 20(3), 60–65.

Wiker, B. (2002). Moral Darwinism: How we became hedonists. IVP Academic.