Understanding Hedonism: The Pursuit of Pleasure in Ancient and Modern Philosophies
Explore the concept of hedonism, where pleasure is considered the ultimate good in life. From ancient Greek philosophers like Epicurus and Aristippus to modern thinkers like Bentham and Mill, delve into the ethical implications and criticisms surrounding this philosophy. Understand how hedonism shapes our views on pleasure, ethics, and the purpose of life.
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Presentation Transcript
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People Hedonism Hedonism, is the belief that pleasure is the highest good of life The term hedonism comes from a Greek word hedone which means pleasure (Ti 3:3; Jas 4:3)
Isaiah 22:12-13 1 CORINTHIANS 15:12-34 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die! (1 Corinthians 15:32 NKJV)
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People Hedonism Historical Background
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People In ancient Greece, the Epicureans and Cyrenaics based their ethical philosophies on the idea that pleasure is the highest good Epicurus
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People Hedonism the view that physical goods are superior to spiritual goods, and so present pleasure is the main motive in life, and material goods are necessary to achieve such pleasure. An easy carefree life and momentary physical pleasure have the greatest value (hence, e.g., lack of concern for the future). Pleasure is the end of all action, just as in the animal world Aristippus
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People Hedonism Jeremy Bentham popularized hedonism with his own adaptation. "Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as to determine what we shall do. Jeremy Bentham
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People Hedonism Later John Stuart Mill, one of Bentham's disciples brought about a new twist to Hedonism. He believed that there were differences in quality and the quantity in estimating pleasure. He attempted to place man on a higher level than animals by stating that man's pleasure should be centered around his intellect the mind instead of the body. John Stuart Mill
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People Hedonism Problems With Hedonism It s Subjectiveness: Pleasure cannot be defined in such a way as to make it universally acceptable. Pleasure outside the realm of an objective standard cannot be uniformly decided or ascertained.
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People Hedonism Problems With Hedonism B. It s Consequences: Infidelity Divorce/Broken Homes Materialism Spiritual death
Dangerous Isms Facing The Lords People Hedonism Problems With Hedonism C. It s Contradiction To The Word Of God Man s inability to determine good or bad, right or wrong (Jer 10:23; Psa 119:104-105; Heb 5:12-14) The Scriptures directly warn against this mind set and pursuit (2 Tim 3:1-4; Cf 1 Tim 5:3-4) The life and inspired teaching of Solomon (Eccl 2:1-3; 10-11; 11:9-12:1 Cf 12:13-14) It s rejection of the benefit of adversity, suffering, and persecution (1 Pet 4:1-5, 12-13)
COLOSSIANS 3:1-11 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:1 4 NKJV)
