hedonism

hedonism Definition

he·don·ism (hēd′'n iz′əm)

noun

Philos. the ethical doctrine that pleasure, variously conceived of in terms of happiness of the individual or of society, is the principal good and the proper aim of action
Psychol. the theory that a person always acts in such a way as to seek pleasure and avoid pain
the self-indulgent pursuit of pleasure as a way of life

Etymology: < Gr hēdonē, pleasure (see hedonic) + -ism

hedonism Related Forms

he′·don·ist noun he′·do·nis′·tic (hē′də nis′tik, hēd′'n is-) adjective he′·do·nis′·ti·cally adverb

hedonism Synonyms

sensualism, gratification, debauchery, epicureanism; see enjoyment 2, indulgence 3.

hedonism Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

pure: There are limitations in a doctrine of pure hedonism.
sexual: The film is also about much more - about political awareness instead of mere sexual hedonism.
modern: What sets modern hedonism apart from the traditional hedonist is the degree of control that one has over pleasure felt.
mindless: But many, many sub-groups exist, among people of all ages, which resist and reject mindless hedonism.
psychological: Thinking of the 18 th century I am tempted to agree with Butler's attack on psychological hedonism.
materialistic: And the result is materialistic hedonism and Godless decadence.

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