Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
7. “The only end of man is enjoyment produced by sensual pleasures”. Critically examine this statement. (150 word)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: plato.stanford.edu
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To form a critique of hedonism.
Directive:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining hedonism.
Body:
First, explain in detail the various components of hedonism.
Next, write to what extent how sensual pleasures can be considered as the ends and the limitations of the above school of thought. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion.
