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Predatory and Alternative Hedonism – Better Later than Now?

Author

Listed:
  • Ondøej Roubal

    (Faculty of Economics Studies, University of Finance and Administration)

  • Petr Wawrosz

    (Faculty of Economics Studies, University of Finance and Administration)

Abstract

Hedonistic ethos is to intensify in the environment of consumer culture and in the atmosphere of unlimited consumerism, intentionally supported by market mechanisms. The value patterns of hedonistic life style are defined by experience motivations, excitement, sensual pleasures, delight, self-satisfaction, intensive need for emotional stimulations, present-time orientation or accelerated pace of life. It is considered identical with radical inclination towards individualization life practices, rapidly growing egoism and narcissistic tendencies confirming the meaning of one’s own existence. Life philosophy of independence, non-determination and “inner orientation” logically leads to the application of such life strategies that can support and develop this attitude to life. Predatory hedonism focusing on the values of pleasurable experience requires mobility, flexibility and variability; it refuses to accept stability and obligations, i.e. anything that could tie and restrict life movement focusing on the fleeting and shifting world of experiences. It is a life “without ties”, unpredictable, unsettled, wild and impulsive. Hedonistic life style oriented towards consumer values, however, meets with frequent social, ecological and ethical criticism. There is room for discussion related to the alternative model of hedonism based on more responsible and well-considered approach towards consumption and voluntary modesty, which shall eventually enhance the sense of personal happiness and general satisfaction with life. Ethical consumption, as part of fulfilling the idea of alternative hedonism, may become an attractive objective of this lifestyle, based on a non-ascetic, but socially and environmentally friendly, way of life. The alternative hedonism is further compared with ideas of economics of productive consumption and with development of financial market.

Suggested Citation

  • Ondøej Roubal & Petr Wawrosz, 2020. "Predatory and Alternative Hedonism – Better Later than Now?," ACTA VSFS, University of Finance and Administration, vol. 14(2), pages 166-179.
    • Handle: RePEc:prf:journl:v:14:y:2020:i:2:p:166-179
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    File URL: https://www.vsfs.cz/periodika/acta-2020-2-06.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ruut Veenhoven, 2003. "Hedonism and Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 4(4), pages 437-457, December.
    2. Radim Valencik & Petr Wawrosz, 2019. "Economics of Productive Consumption as an Offshoot of Main Currents of Economic Theory," ACTA VSFS, University of Finance and Administration, vol. 13(2), pages 113-134.
    3. Cherrier, Hélène, 2009. "Anti-consumption discourses and consumer-resistant identities," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 62(2), pages 181-190, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    alternative hedonism; consumer culture; deferred pleasure; predatory hedonism; life satisfaction;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B21 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Microeconomics
    • D - Microeconomics

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