Thomas Hurka on Pleasure

Pleasure is something we all seek. But should we? Is it the most important thing in life? Are all pleasures of equal value? Thomas Hurka investigates the concept of pleasure in this episode of Philosophy Bites.

Listen to Thomas Hurka on Pleasure

Comments

[Jim Vaughan]

Another very interesting interview! I wanted to add that what makes the pleasure of e.g. eating chocolate, 'less desirable' are the serious downsides of substance dependence, diminishing return and addiction. The pleasure is conditional on the (finite) supply of chocolate.

General life satisfaction on the other hand, is not dependant on any finite commodity, and does not diminish over time. The pleasure in this regard is unconditional, (though it may demand a certain life-style). This lack of dependence makes it 'more desirable'.

I think types of pleasure do have a cost-benefit hierarchy, not based on intensity, but on the demand of their necessary conditions.