Hedonism advocates pleasure as life’s ultimate goal, guiding ethical decisions toward maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. Critically examine.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
6. Hedonism advocates pleasure as life’s ultimate goal, guiding ethical decisions toward maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. Critically examine. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: newworldencyclopedia.org
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: write about hedonism and its critique. Directive word: Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by defining Hedonism. Body: Write about the appeal of Hedonism and its emphasis on pleasures and happiness. Next, write a critique of hedonism – Hedonism can lead to immoral behaviour, Difficulty defining pleasure, Neglect of other important values and Hedonism can lead to addiction etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a balanced view on the above.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
write about hedonism and its critique.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining Hedonism.
Write about the appeal of Hedonism and its emphasis on pleasures and happiness.
Next, write a critique of hedonism – Hedonism can lead to immoral behaviour, Difficulty defining pleasure, Neglect of other important values and Hedonism can lead to addiction etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced view on the above.