Voluptuary

by **joaquinlean** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:21 am

This is odd because I am reading Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck and she goes into a very good distinction between the two. I would like to quote her from the book.

"(People who lived for mere pleasure, instant gratification, were called Sybarites, and you'd better remember that, because there will be a quiz in twenty minutes.) Hedonists believed in living for happiness, but they also believed that, due to our basically good inner nature, we can be truly happy only if we live moral lives, complete with integrity, compassion, and sometimes self-sacrifice.

I think that pretty much sums it up.

by **Slava** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:34 am

Nice quote and welcome to the fold.

by **Philip Hudson** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:14 am

joaquinlean: Did you get your definition of hedonism from the book "Finding Your Own North Star"? I can't find the idea of basic goodness in what I have read about hedonism. Have I not read enough or has Martha Beck inserted some of her own ideas in the definition? It could be either way. I am here to learn.

In any event I am convinced of basic badness so I am totally from another school. "In Adam's fall, we sinned all," is not a direct quote from the Bible. It is more complex than that.

by **LukeJavan8** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:12 pm

I've heard "there's a little good in all of us". But the
stress seems to be "little". I agree with Phil.

by **Perry Lassiter** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:44 pm

In philosophy there are several types of hedonism.
1- the good is the most immediate, most intense, and perhaps the longest lasting pleasure. For me.
2- a different version lists the forms and types of pleasure, which may include intellectual and artistic pursuits, along with and usually ahead of sensual pleasure.
3- the greatest pleasurere and happiness for the most people for the longest time. Defining the words yet remain. Party schools vs academic campuses.
4- Kant's "categorical imperative": So act that you could will your actions be done by all. Or if everyone acted as you do, would the world be a better place? (define "better."

by **Philip Hudson** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 4:39 pm

Kant frequently can.

by **Perry Lassiter** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:33 pm

In about three times as many words as necessary, thus defining prolix.

by **Slava** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:38 pm

Perry Lassiter wrote:In about three times as many words as necessary, thus defining prolix.

Are you suggesting we put a lid on this riff? As in, Can It?

by **Perry Lassiter** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 6:25 am

What cant are you spieling now?

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