Ethical Theories :: Philosophy Philosophical Essays

estimable TheoriesHedonism and self-realization are ethical theories that take roots in the working of Greek philosophers and that developed m some(prenominal) branches throughout the human history. Hedonism is establish on the light of sport (or blessedness) and avoidance of pain as an ultimate finis of any human being and thus establish a clean plant for ones acting in striving to be happy. In early stages, hedonism took individualistic forms of Cyrenaic and Epicurean theories. In order to antecede a good life, the Cyrenaics propose to actively seek intense ephemeral fun (of any duration) from our everyday life maintaining that cheers of our senses and the body are favored to joyfulnesss derived from the mind. In contrast to Cyrenaics, the Epicurean possible action denies active seeking of fun in favor of avoidance of pain (in fact, Epicurean view defines pastime as avoidance of pain) and stresses the importance of long-run mental contentment in life. magical s pell Cyrenaics and Epicureans sought pleasure alone for themselves exercising individualistic hedonism, Stuart submarine sandwichs theory is an example of universalistic hedonism which takes into account not only the pleasure spate can gain for themselves but also how those pleasure-seeking actions simulate new(prenominal) individuals and society in general and whose ultimate goal is to extend the tot up of blessedness for humankind as a whole. Specifically, Stuart Mill adhered to the theory of utilitarianism (a fond hedonism) that states that moral actions are accountability if they produce the greatest issue forth of happiness for the greatest number of persons. The significance of his work is in invention of the soft aspect of pleasure into utilitarianism. According to Mill, there are contrary kinds of pleasure and the more desirable of any two kinds is the one that is concur to be more valuable or desirable for the majority of people who see both. The intellectu al pleasure derived from art, music, etc. is considered to be higher than physiologic pleasure derived from sex, eating, etc. Based on the classification of different kinds of pleasure performed by experts the moral values of the society can be developed and indeed followed by everyone. To avoid immoral actions that can be reassert as means of maximizing happiness, Mill adheres to rule-utilitarian view which states that an action is right if it is based on a rule that maximizes happiness of the affected creation as opposed to act-utilitarianism that evaluates the action itself. For example, a rule of helping others maximizes happiness in general so we should follow this rule.Ethical Theories Philosophy Philosophical EssaysEthical TheoriesHedonism and self-realization are ethical theories that take roots in the works of Greek philosophers and that developed many branches throughout the human history. Hedonism is based on the recognition of pleasure (or happiness) and avoidance of pain as an ultimate goal of any human being and thus establish a moral ground for ones acting in striving to be happy. In early stages, hedonism took individualistic forms of Cyrenaic and Epicurean theories. In order to lead a good life, the Cyrenaics propose to actively seek intense momentary pleasure (of any duration) from our everyday life maintaining that pleasures of our senses and the body are preferable to pleasures derived from the mind. In contrast to Cyrenaics, the Epicurean theory denies active seeking of pleasure in favor of avoidance of pain (in fact, Epicurean view defines pleasure as avoidance of pain) and stresses the importance of long-run mental contentment in life.While Cyrenaics and Epicureans sought pleasure only for themselves exercising individualistic hedonism, Stuart Mills theory is an example of universalistic hedonism which takes into account not only the pleasure people can gain for themselves but also how those pleasure-seeking actions affect other i ndividuals and society in general and whose ultimate goal is to increase the amount of happiness for humankind as a whole. Specifically, Stuart Mill adhered to the theory of utilitarianism (a social hedonism) that states that moral actions are right if they produce the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of persons. The significance of his work is in introduction of the qualitative aspect of pleasure into utilitarianism. According to Mill, there are different kinds of pleasure and the more desirable of any two kinds is the one that is agreed to be more valuable or desirable for the majority of people who experienced both. The intellectual pleasure derived from art, music, etc. is considered to be higher than physical pleasure derived from sex, eating, etc. Based on the classification of different kinds of pleasure performed by experts the moral values of the society can be developed and then followed by everyone. To avoid immoral actions that can be justified as me ans of maximizing happiness, Mill adheres to rule-utilitarian view which states that an action is right if it is based on a rule that maximizes happiness of the affected population as opposed to act-utilitarianism that evaluates the action itself. For example, a rule of helping others maximizes happiness in general so we should follow this rule.