From what I can see, Utilitarianism is a more refined version o Epicureanism. They both have the same core in hedonism. That is to say maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. However Utilitarianism answers questions Epicureanism can't. For example, Utilitarianism makes more a distinction between higher pleasures and lower pleasures. Utilitarianism can also be secular and religious whether by wanting happiness for your own sake or because God desires happiness for his creations.
There are other differences such as Epicureanism being more focused on contentment. Utilitarianism also wants pleasure not for one's self but also for the whole. There are also more moral rules with Utilitarianism.
Utilitarianism also also focuses on utility as a source of pleasure. This is draws parallel to Aristotle ' s idea of happy life one of the goals of that life being useful.
I totally agree Utilitarianism explains its position on minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure, whereas Epicureanism doesn't explain it's position on minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure. Utilitarianism's goal is for a great number of people to be happy and not self.
ReplyDelete