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Essay / Hedonistic Utilitarianism Essay - 1388
The basic goal of hedonistic utilitarianism would be to maximize happiness while minimizing pain (Sober 416). Supported by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, the theory of utilitarianism has been criticized, reformed, and studied to examine the different situations in which this theory can produce positive or negative results. Although this moral theory was established with positive intentions, it has created ethical conflicts. Like the understanding that hedonistic utilitarian moral theory maintains highly subjective motivation, destroys autonomy, and creates a false sense of self. One of these situational theories is the experience machine hypothesis. The experience machine hypothesis is a modern recreation of Descartes' evil demon problem, which has been used to identify the drawbacks of hedonistic utilitarianism. The experience machine hypothesis recognizes the value of authentic experiences, independence, and appreciation of happiness, which are not accomplished through hedonistic utilitarianism (Sober 414). There are some adaptations of utilitarianism. Hedonistic utilitarianism recognizes the intrinsic value of pain and pleasure; the fundamental goal of this moral theory would be to maximize pleasure while minimizing pain by all means. The motivation of the theory follows two points of view; is an action that leads to pleasure or avoids pain is positive, however whether an action leads to pain and prevents pleasure is negative. John Stuart Mill believed that actions could determine moral justification based on the extent of increase in pleasure and decrease in pain. Mills believed that some pleasures were higher than others: "It is better to be a human being... middle of paper... not established, only the experience of accomplishment, "the machine gives you the specific set of experiences you would get from living that kind of life” (Sober 414). The experience machine presents a valid argument against hedonistic utilitarianism, because for many people, pleasure is not the only intrinsic value of life; meaningful experiences, individuality, and accomplishments are valuable characteristics, which are essentially lost in the experience machine. Although the idea of being blissfully ignorant being plugged into a machine, experiencing everything you could desire, what is the meaning of a fantasy life. Experiences are memories and feelings inside the experience machine, in time, since in the experience machine time is unlimited, this pleasure will fade and will not become different from reality until it fades away. connect to the experiment machine..