Pleasure and the Good Life: Concerning the Nature, Varieties, and Plausibility of Hedonism

By Fred Feldman

Book Overview

Since ancient times, hedonism has been one of the most attractive and controversial theories about "the Good Life." On this view, the Good Life is the pleasant life-- pleasure is the Good. Now Fred Feldman presents a careful, modern formulation of hedonism, defending the theory against some of the most important objections. Distinguishing some diverse variants of the theory, and assessing their merits, Feldman explains why each deserves to be classified as a form of hedonism. His book offers inspiring vindication for anyone who hopes that it is possible to enjoy oneself and be good at the same time.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0199297606
• ISBN13: 9780199297603
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Great Work

If you are interested in Ethics and/or Value theory/Axiology; this is a must have. Feldman provides the best formulation and defense of hedonism I have ever seen. Feldman writes in such a clear and entertaining style that you really don't need to have a lot of background to understand what is going on. However, if you are studying seriously, you cannot go wrong with Feldman. He lays out arguments and comments on them in such a way that you cannot help but follow along. He is very fair but also a bit cagey. He may not be explicitly advocating any form of hedonism, but you can figure out where his heart is at.