Hedonism

Definition

Hedonism is a philosophical belief that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and proper aim of human life. It emphasizes the pursuit of physical and mental pleasures, often advocating for indulgence in experiences that bring joy. This worldview often contrasts with asceticism, which values restraint and self-denial, and it encourages a lifestyle that seeks to maximize enjoyment in life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hedonism was influential during the 17th century among Cavalier poets who celebrated pleasure, love, and a carefree lifestyle in their works.
2. Cavalier poetry often depicts themes of carpe diem, encouraging readers to seize the day and indulge in life's pleasures before time runs out.
3. Many Cavalier poets, like Robert Herrick, used hedonistic themes to critique Puritan values, promoting enjoyment of life over strict moral codes.
4. Hedonism can be seen as both a response to and a rejection of societal norms that prioritize work and virtue over pleasure and enjoyment.
5. The emphasis on personal happiness in hedonism reflects a broader cultural movement during the 17th century that sought to embrace individual desires and experiences.

Review Questions

• How did hedonism influence the themes present in Cavalier poetry?
  • Hedonism greatly influenced Cavalier poetry by encouraging poets to focus on themes of pleasure, love, and living in the moment. Poets embraced a carefree lifestyle and celebrated the joys of earthly experiences through vivid imagery and expressive language. This approach contrasted with the more austere moral standards prevalent in Puritan literature, allowing Cavalier poets to advocate for enjoyment as a vital aspect of human existence.
• Compare and contrast hedonism with Stoicism in the context of 17th-century literature.
  • Hedonism and Stoicism represent two opposing philosophies that emerged prominently in 17th-century literature. While hedonism advocates for the pursuit of pleasure as the ultimate goal of life, Stoicism emphasizes self-control, virtue, and rationality over indulgence. In Cavalier poetry, hedonistic ideals encourage a celebration of sensual experiences, whereas Stoic influences would promote enduring hardships with dignity. This tension between indulgence and restraint is evident in literary works from this period.
• Evaluate the cultural impact of hedonism as portrayed by Cavalier poets on subsequent literary movements.
  • The portrayal of hedonism by Cavalier poets had a lasting cultural impact on subsequent literary movements by paving the way for Romanticism and other explorations of individual experience. The emphasis on pleasure and emotional expression resonated with later writers who sought to celebrate human emotions, nature, and personal freedom. By rejecting rigid moral codes in favor of embracing life’s joys, Cavalier poets contributed to an evolving literary landscape that valued authenticity and personal fulfillment over societal expectations.

Related terms

Epicureanism:

A school of thought founded by Epicurus that teaches the pursuit of pleasure as the primary goal, but emphasizes moderation and the avoidance of pain as essential components of happiness.

Stoicism:

A philosophical approach that teaches self-control and rationality, often contrasting hedonism by promoting virtue and inner peace over the pursuit of pleasure.

Eudaimonia: A Greek term often translated as 'flourishing' or 'well-being,' which represents a state of living in accordance with virtue and fulfilling one's potential, sometimes contrasted with hedonistic pursuits.