Negative hedonism refers to the idea that avoiding displeasure, rather than pursuing pleasure, is the key to a good life. It contrasts with traditional hedonism, which focuses on maximizing pleasure. The text raises the question of whether the paradox of hedonism—where seeking pleasure undermines its attainment—also applies to negative hedonism, meaning whether actively avoiding displeasure could be self-defeating. However, it suggests that this may not be the case, as philosophers like Schopenhauer advocated for minimizing suffering rather than seeking happiness, implying that negative hedonism might be a viable approach to prudential hedonism.^[1]

Some modern hedonists, known as "negative hedonists," focus on reducing suffering rather than promoting social happiness, advocating for the prevention of harm and relieving suffering when possible. This approach is sometimes mistakenly equated with Christian morality, leading some Christians to support practices like homosexuality and abortion, as they aim to alleviate pain. This perspective has influenced contemporary moral theories, particularly in the United States, where a common belief is that individuals are free to act as they wish, provided they don’t cause harm to others. However, this mindset is seen by some as potentially leading to the moral disintegration of society.^[2]

Epicurus advocates a form of negative hedonism, which is often misunderstood. According to him, hedonism is based on moderation. He distinguishes between two types of pleasures: mobile pleasures, which are impure, and stable pleasures, which correspond to the absence of pain. Happiness is thus defined as ataraxia (the absence of disturbances in the soul) and aponia (the absence of physical pain). Therefore, Epicurean hedonism is centered on the pursuit of a life free from suffering, rather than the pursuit of intense pleasures.^[3]

Philosopher Steven Luper critiques negative hedonism, the view that pain is the only intrinsic harm and that nothing is inherently beneficial, highlighting several problematic implications. This perspective suggests that any increase in pain is harmful, even if it results in greater overall well-being, aligning with Epicurean arguments that painless death is preferable to potential suffering. However, Luper notes that negative hedonism leads to extreme conclusions, such as rejecting minor pain even when it yields significant pleasure and viewing existence itself as harmful. Consequently, it implies that nonexistence is preferable, advocating against life continuation and reproduction to prevent suffering.^[4]

Hedonism-related concepts encompass hedonophobia, characterized by the fear of pleasure and a tendency to avoid it;^[5] psychological hedonism, which asserts that pleasure and pain are the fundamental motivators of human behavior;^[6] and egoistic hedonism, the notion that an individual's personal pleasure is the primary impetus behind certain actions. These concepts provide various interpretations of how pleasure, pain, and self-interest shape human decision-making and conduct.^[7]

• Negative utilitarianism
• Epicureanism