Attitudinal Hedonism

Abstract The distinction between sensory pleasure and attitudinal pleasure is drawn. Arguments are given to show that these are distinct kinds of pleasure. The concept of intrinsic attitudinal pleasure is introduced and explained. Making use of this concept, Intrinsic Attitudinal Hedonism is formulated and compared to Default Hedonism. An argument is presented to show that Intrinsic Attitudinal Hedonism is not refuted by the objection (described earlier) based on the possibility of a good life without pleasure. The differences between attitudinal pleasure (‘enjoying the things you get’) and mere satisfaction (‘getting the things you want’) are explained. Mill's distinction between higher and lower pleasures is introduced and criticized. A new form of hedonism—Altitude Adjusted Intrinsic Attitudinal Hedonism—is formulated, explained, and compared to other forms of hedonism. This is said to express the core of Mill's idea of ‘qualified hedonism’.