Chapter 1: The Pursuit of Pleasure

In our daily lives, whether we are aware of it or not, many of us aim to enhance the pleasure we experience while minimizing pain. But is this truly the ultimate goal of existence—seeking pleasure while evading pain? It's essential to consider that the idea of pleasure cannot exist without its counterpart, pain. These opposing forces help us understand and appreciate one another. Pain is an inescapable part of life; everyone faces it at various points. But how much of this suffering is self-imposed? For example, we may choose unsuitable partners, overindulge in food or drink, or maintain toxic relationships. So, how can we lead our most fulfilling lives? What does it mean to live well?

These timeless questions have been the subject of philosophical debates for centuries, and we continue to search for answers today. One notable philosophical framework from ancient Greece is hedonism, first articulated by Aristippus (circa 435 BCE), who founded the Cyrenaic school of thought. Many who adhered to this philosophy believed that life’s purpose was to pursue pleasure, both in abundance and intensity, while minimizing pain. As Robert C. Bartlett notes in the American Political Science Review, "That pleasure is the chief good that human beings of necessity seek." Epicurus, who established another philosophical doctrine known as Epicureanism, shared similar views, advocating for "modest, sustainable pleasure" characterized by a state of ataraxia (peace of mind) and aponia (freedom from pain) through understanding the world and regulating desires.

What, then, constitutes pleasure? At its core, pleasure is defined as a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, and enjoyment. However, this definition is highly subjective, leading to personal interpretations. Pleasure encompasses a wide range of experiences that may resonate differently with each individual. For instance, while one person may find joy in a reality TV show like "Selling Sunset," another might consider it unbearable. Nevertheless, certain pleasures, such as food, companionship, and various indulgences, tend to be universally recognized for their gratifying and sometimes addictive qualities. We often describe our hobbies as pleasurable—whether it’s strolling in nature, engaging in meaningful conversations, or learning new skills.

But how do we distinguish between beneficial and harmful pleasures, and how does one identify as a hedonist?

Section 1.1: Plato's Counterarguments to Hedonism

One philosopher who notably opposed hedonistic views was Plato. In his dialogue "Philebus," he categorizes pleasures into pure and impure. He argues that impure pleasures inherently involve pain. Plato employs a method of argument known as reductio ad absurdum, positing that if the aim is to maximize pleasure, one must simultaneously be maximizing pain, which he finds contradictory.

"If pleasure is remedial of pain, then in order to get pleasure, the hedonist must welcome pain, which is absurd: hedonism is self-contradictory," — Plato, Philebus

Aristotle also criticized hedonism, labeling it as "the view of the vulgar masses," contrasting it with the pursuit of honor as the goal of the more refined societal classes. This suggests that succumbing solely to immediate desires is the common behavior, while those seeking higher aspirations belong to a more noble group.

Let's delve deeper into Plato's classifications of pleasure, separating them into pure and impure.

Subsection 1.1.1: Types of Pleasure

Pure pleasures are those not accompanied by perceived pain, while impure pleasures carry elements of discomfort. According to Plato, most of our experiences are mixed, containing both pleasure and pain. Here’s how he breaks it down:

1. Impure Pleasures
   • Physical Pleasure: These pleasures arise from alleviating prior pain, such as quenching thirst through drinking.
   • Psycho-Physical Pleasure: Similar to physical pleasure, but focuses on the anticipation of relief.
   • Psychic Pleasure: This involves a mix of pain and pleasure, often linked to spite.
2. Pure Pleasures
   • These include sensory experiences (like enjoying a sunset), certain sounds (specific music), and the pursuit of knowledge. Plato considers these pleasures to be part of the "good life," as they do not involve pain, even though they may be rare.

Plato emphasizes that while mixed pleasures can be acceptable, they should not be the ultimate goal. He asserts that the pursuit of knowledge remains paramount, and even permissible pleasures should facilitate this pursuit.

Chapter 2: Practical Insights from Plato

The first video titled "Epicurus | Practical Reasoning about Pain and Pleasure | Philosophy Core Concepts" delves into Epicurus' views on pleasure, offering practical insights on how to navigate the complexities of pain and pleasure in our lives.

The second video, "Plato's Gorgias: What's Wrong with The Life of Pleasure?" critiques the hedonistic lifestyle, shedding light on the potential pitfalls of pursuing pleasure without considering the implications of pain.

Plato acknowledges that a mixed experience of life is unavoidable. Only the divine exists outside this duality. If our life's aim is to acquire knowledge and prepare our souls for eternity, our actions must align with this goal. A central virtue in philosophy is temperance, emphasizing the importance of moderation. For example, while food can be a source of pleasure, overindulgence can lead to discomfort and lethargy, reminding us of the need for balance.