The Delusion and Contradiction of Utilitarianism and Hedonism

[Jacobsrw]

Some contemplation from today...

Utilitarianism and hedonism are two paradigms that function under two  dualistic premises. The ‘pleasure and pain principle’. That is, to maximise pleasure and minimise pain. However, this endeavour is not only limited in what it can produce, it is far more damaging and contradictory than users may be aware.

Firstly, one who intends on maximising pain and minimising pleasure has already ascribed to a taxing duty. One must work to gain desirable experiences while equally deflecting those that hinder it. This effort to multitask, is not only conflictive but simultaneously contradicts the pleasure principle itself. When having to maintain pleasure while avoiding pain, one inevitably exhausts them self before they have even experienced the pleasure they first desired. Once one is exhausted from such a process, they then endure pain. Which creates a conflictive dissonance to the motive of seeking pleasure. 

Not only does it exhaust ones entire being and contradict the underlying premise in which was first sort, it is an infinite loop. One who continuously seeks pleasure will never be satisfied. Because: (1) pleasure is impermanent so any means to uphold it requires continually pursing new pleasures. (2) the mind is fundamentally never satisfied, it operates to consume and utilise, always requiring new information to extract. (3) one gets stuck in the duality, self and other. Objects are conceived as derivances of pleasure and self is the one who experiences them. This of course separates one from their experience and subjugates reality to becoming a conceptual prison.

Why is this important? Simply because almost all people in developed countries operate under these notions as a fundamental primacy - the core belief. The mind creates illusory survival needs which then identifies a self on who’s behalf must fulfil them. Our employment objectives are saturated by this, our produce manufacturing, our businesses, our media, our friends and family and most of all the preconditioned homeostatic force of our own minds.

The importance in understanding these two dominating paradigms is clearly demonstrated in our heavily materialistic globe. Understanding this will enable solutions to be created (especially for people stuck in stage, say orange) for transcending into more optimal levels of functionality.

I personally, have found great value in illuminating this area of behaviour.It has helped me better understand survival in the context of developed societies, in which I subsist. However, it necessarily exemplifies the large amount of work we still require doing. I myself am doing my best to contribute in this area. I recommend we all do through each of our own unique vehicles. Of course, this I only but one of many survival mechanism. Many still require equal attention

Would be good to hear people’s thoughts on this. If you too, have noticed such dynamics in human activity?

Edited June 2, 2020 by Jacobsrw