Cyrenaic Hedonism Research Paper

Aristippus (c. 430-350 B.C.E) from the town of Cyrene, is considered the creator of Cyrenaic hedonism. First off, hedonism is the philosophic though that pleasure is equal to good and pain is equal to evil. Therefore, Cyrenaic hedonism is the pursuit of intense and immediate pleasure with no qualitative distinctions among pleasures. Aristippus believed pleasure was the main motive for living and that pleasure is always good. This is just simply not true. Yes, we as human beings do seek pleasure probably more times than we think we do, but it is not our “natural goal of all life.” I would say our natural goal of life is happiness. Yes, some pleasures and even most do bring happiness. Though, you have those pleasures that begin to take over and pretty much control your life, or the pleasures that …show more content…
It is ridiculously absurd that someone can even think such a thing. I’m certain those who commit homicide find it to be pleasurable, some even get off on it. So, now is Aristippus saying murder is good because some find it to be one of their pleasures. What about drugs? Is manufacturing, distributing, and using drugs okay because people believe it to be pleasurable. No, that is ludicrous. These things are not good, they’re illegal and not to mention have some very serious consequences. Good pleasures shouldn’t risk yours, let only others, health and safety. How about sex? Yes, sex is a good pleasure, but it can cross the line into bad. It crosses the line when others start forcing others to have sex with them or when people start getting addicted. Honestly, this can happen with any pleasure, for example food. Most find food to be pleasurable, some so much they over consume and become obese. Therefore, not only are not all pleasures good, but even good pleasures have the capability to cross over the threshold into bad. This makes me wonder if Aristippus even thought about pleasures like these or if he did and still believed all pleasures are