Question

Which of the following best explains the Hedonistic Paradox?

• A. To get pleasure you have to be after it
• B. To get pleasure you have to forget it
• C. To get pleasure you require deep meditation
• D. To get pleasure you need to seek pain

Hint:

Hedonistic Paradox means pleasure is best achieved indirectly, not by constantly chasing pleasure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Hedonism says that pleasure is the goal of life. But the Hedonistic Paradox points out a difficulty in directly pursuing pleasure.

Step 1: Understand the paradox.
The paradox says that if a person directly runs after pleasure, pleasure may escape. Pleasure often comes indirectly as a result of meaningful activity, love, work, friendship or achievement.

Step 2: Understand why direct pursuit fails.
When a person constantly asks: \[ \text{Am I happy?} \] or \[ \text{Am I getting pleasure?} \] the person becomes self-conscious and anxious. This reduces pleasure.

Step 3: Identify the correct explanation.
The best explanation is: \[ \text{To get pleasure you have to forget it} \] This means pleasure is often gained indirectly. Hence: \[ \boxed{\text{(B)}} \]