Ethical Theories - Ethical Hedonism The name given to the group of ethical systems that hold, with various modifications, that feelings of pleasure or happiness are the highest and final aim of conduct; that, consequently those actions which increase the sum of pleasure are thereby constituted right, and, conversely, what increases pain is wrong. Ethical Hedonism is usually associated with the Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus who taught people that our goal in life should be …showed first 75 words of 222 total…

…showed last 75 words of 222 total…the question: whose happiness? To this egoism answers: the happiness of the agent; while altruistic Hedonism replies: the happiness of all concerned, or, to use a phrase that is classic in the literature of this school, "the greatest happiness of the greatest number" (Catholic Encyclopedia, 2003 Online Edition) Resources: http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/h/hedonism.htm - The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07187a.htm - Catholic Encyclopedia Online Edition