Psychological hedonism

Psychological hedonism, a branch of hedonism, is the philosophical theory that asserts all human actions are driven by the desire to seek pleasure and avoid pain. This theory is particularly linked to thinkers like Epicurus, Jeremy Bentham, and John Stuart Mill and is often regarded as a form of psychological egoism, with an emphasis on pleasure and pain as the fundamental motivational forces behind behavior. Unlike ethical hedonism, which suggests that pleasure is the only morally good or valuable thing, psychological hedonism is focused on understanding what actually motivates human actions. It defines pleasure and pain broadly, encompassing not only physical sensations but also emotional and psychological states, such as joy, fear, guilt, or contentment. Despite this, hedonists acknowledge that individuals can sometimes misjudge their pursuit of pleasure, and the direct pursuit of pleasure may even prove counterproductive—an issue highlighted by the paradox of hedonism.