It is therefore more difficult for them to indulge in such "simple pleasures" in the same manner.Ĭritics of the quantitative approach assert that, generally, "pleasures" do not necessarily share common traits besides the fact that they can be seen as "pleasurable." Critics of the qualitative approach argue that whether one pleasure is higher than another depends on factors other than how pleasurable it is. The more elaborate beings tend to spend more thought on other matters and hence lessen the time for simple pleasure. Mill also argues that simpler beings (he often refers to pigs) have an easier access to the simpler pleasures since they do not see other aspects of life, they can simply indulge in their lower pleasures. Mill believed that there can be different levels of pleasure - higher quality pleasure is better than lower quality pleasure.
He argued that when eating, one should not eat too richly, for it could lead to dissatisfaction later, such as the grim realization that one could not afford such delicacies in the future. He lauded the enjoyment of simple pleasures, by which he meant abstaining from bodily desires, such as sex and appetites, verging on asceticism. In the Epicurean view, the highest pleasure (tranquility and freedom from fear) was obtained by knowledge, friendship and living a virtuous and temperate life. Although Epicureanism is a form of hedonism, insofar as it declares pleasure as the sole intrinsic good, its conception of absence of pain as the greatest pleasure and its advocacy of a simple life make it different from "hedonism" as it is commonly understood. The combination of these two states is supposed to constitute happiness in its highest form. Following Aristippus-about whom very little is known-Epicurus believed that the greatest good was to seek modest pleasures in order to attain a state of tranquility and freedom from fear ( ataraxia) as well as absence of bodily pain ( aponia) through knowledge of the workings of the world and the limits of our desires. His materialism led him to a general attack on superstition and divine intervention.
Epicurus was an atomic materialist, following in the steps of Democritus. Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of Epicurus ( c.