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Inner and Outer Morality, 2007.
This paper discusses inner and outer morality in Plato's 'Republic'.
1,155 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that, according to Socrates in Plato's Republic, morality is one of the four elements of goodness in a community. The writer notes that inner morality was the rule of reason over other parts of the mind whereby a person lets reason and rationality rule. The writer points out that Socrates argues that when there is harmony between all elements of a community, morality will emerge. The writer explains that this is outer morality. The writer concludes that for morality to exist, it is important that every single part of the community and mind must be allowed to function properly within its own limits. The writer maintains that this would create harmony and peace and these two are the essential components of inner and outer morality.
From the Paper
"The third part is self-discipline. Socrates explained that it is not easy to allow oneself to be ruled. But when every section of a community accepts its rulers and understands that some people rule while others are the ruled, they are exhibiting self-discipline. This is needed for a community to function smoothly. When all these elements are found, we realize that the ability to a community to allow every person to do his job without creating conflict is morality. This is the outer morality that helps keep a community intact."
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HP Pretexting Scandal, 2007.
This paper discusses the Hewlett-Packard ethical dilemma.
3,175 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that when looking into how a big corporation should properly conduct its business behind its own brick and mortar walls, a good place to begin would be to examine what mistakes have been made by big corporate players. The writer points out that there is no better place to begin than by studying and investigating the drama that continues to unfold at the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Company. In this case, there was pretexting at HP, and the use of this unethical, illegal procedure allowed certain persons to obtain phone records of reporters and board members who were possible suspects in the leaking of inside HP information to the media. The writer discusses the ongoing power and legal struggles associated with the Hewlett-Packard scandal in Silicon Valley.
Outline:
Introduction
The New Yorker Article
From the Paper
"The true background of this confusing and twisted tale of corporate ethical lapses is becoming a must-read for students in Ethics classes around the country. Indeed, when David Packard and Bill Hewlett launched HP in a Palo Alto garage in 1957, little did either of those men realize what a giant and powerful technology corporation HP would turn out to be - with revenues in excess of $90 billion annually."
"Nor did they, or could they, have known that corporate leaks from power-hungry insiders would lead to an embarrassing and very public scandal in 2005 and 2006. Certainly they couldn't know that the corruption inside HP would be so serious and have such enormous implications for the company (and the technology world) that it would require congressional hearings to delve into its mysterious and evil plots and subplots, along with the willing and innocent participants. "
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Franz Kafka and Modernism, 2007.
This paper explores the central meaning and intention in Kafka's works and relates this to the Modernist movement.
2,515 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at how Franz Kafka is one of the most enigmatic and interesting figures in literature. The writer notes that Kafka's work has left an enduing impression on world literature as well as on popular culture. The writer discusses and explains the term "Kafkaesque", which has entered into ordinary vocabulary and conversation. The writer concludes that the works of Franz Kafka are representative of the central ethos and tents of the Modernist movement in literature. Further, the writer points out that Kafka's central themes, which emanate from a critique of his contemporary world, are the dislocation of identity and meaning and modern despair and confusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Modernism
Kafka, Alienation and Modernism
From the Paper
"From the point of view of world literature, the works of Franz Kafka have created a specific genre or literary niche. Much of the value of his writing lies however in the fact that it forms part of a general trend of literature in the 20th century. This is the Modernist movement in thought and art. Many critics are of the opinion that Kafka is closely aligned to the central movements in thought and literature during that period associated with Modernism; such as existentialism. In essence, the writings of Franz Kafka have become an integral part of the body of work written in the first half of the Twentieth Century that has become known as Modernism."
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What is American Literature?, 2007.
This paper discusses the characteristics and complexity of American literature.
1,291 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the more broadly, deeply, objectively and honestly one reflects on the question of what is; or is not American literature, the more complex the issue becomes. The writer then provides a definition of literature before examining the issue of American literature. The writer concludes that aspects of American life and character that often, although not always, get left out of literary works often have to do with politics and/or political processes perhaps because their bad effects, while known, are probably hard to describe in terms of tangible effects on an individual hero or life situation.
From the Paper
"The question of what it means to be an American is an even more complex one; and it brings my cynicism to the surface. When I read Walt Whitman's gigantic, beautiful, exuberant ode to America these days that was first published in 1855, when being an American was obviously a whole different experience than it is for Americans today, I wish I could feel half as enthusiastic about being an American today as he obviously did back then. Nowadays, I think that to be an American (in general) just means to be an overly materialistic; chronically-shallow thinker; who is (therefore) gullible to bad political influences and the wrong kinds of "peer pressure" (e.g., to smoke; to drink; to deface public property with graffiti); and whose only real religion is materialism and whose main reason for even being alive is just to buy more and more material stuff, and to be entertained (mindlessly) mostly by television."
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Termination Process, 2007.
This paper looks at the debate regarding total parenteral nutrition treatments.
3,009 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that when there are patients receiving treatments or interventions that keep them alive, one may face the decision of whether to discontinue treatment. The writer offers the example of an adult male patient at the HIV Treatment Center on dialysis for acute renal failure and mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. The writer notes that in this case the total parenteral nutrition (TPN) treatments are no longer of benefit, even though the patient's family wants them continued. The writer maintains that if life expectancy can be prolonged with additional chemotherapy, it may be reasonable to give TPN to allow the patient to enjoy that benefit. However, the writer concludes that in the case where additional chemotherapy offers no substantial increase in quantity or quality of life, TPN could become another burden for the patient without any meaningful benefit, and ought to be withheld.
Outline:
Transference and Counter transference
Futility Judgments
Debating Cardiopulmonary Arrest and Resuscitation
From the Paper
"Transference and countertransference are both normal phenomena that may arise during the course of the therapeutic relationship. Transference is the tendency on the part of the patient to "transfer" past feelings, conflicts, and attitudes into situations, circumstances and present relationships. According to psychoanalytic theory, transference evolves from unresolved or unsatisfactory childhood experiences in relationships with parents or other important figures. From a behavioral orientation, patients may have developed habit-forming patterns in how they relate and interact with others. These habits involve development of attitudes and ideas based on the learning and retention of information from past relationships. The habits learned from past relationships may create behavioral and thought patterns in subsequent relationships, even though the actions and attitudes may be inappropriate for the current relationship. As caregivers have frequent contact with patients, the potential for caregivers to be objects of transference is significant."
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Ancient Buddhism, 2007.
A discussion regarding ancient Buddhism and it's philosophical impact on the aesthetic values of the period.
1,612 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an examination of acient Buddhism and how its philosophical position impacted the aesthetic values of the period. The paper explores the Buddhist faith to understand what the aesthetic values were at that time and then relates them to that period in society and how they correlate.
Outline:
Introduction
One Man's Tale
Bringing it All Together
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Years ago when the Mafia was in its height it was rumored if one received the gift of a black rose in the mail or in person it signaled the receiver's impending death. The color of White in the Buddhist ancient faith has to do with rest and thinking. It is interesting to note that this still carries true across geographic and societal boundaries. Marketing companies have capitalized on this belief through the use of marketing products such as "White Linen" as being restful and peaceful as well.
The Buddhist faith believes that the color Yellow has to do with restfulness and nourishment."
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Free Will, 2007.
An analysis of the ethical considerations surrounding the existence of free will.
1,091 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper challenges the naturalists' critiques of free will. It begins by describing the naturalists' arguments against the existence of free will. The paper then discusses the opposing position that free will does exist. The paper also discusses the opposite end of the philosophical spectrum from free will which is fatalism, or sometimes determinism. It discusses these concepts from an ethical standpoint and particularly focuses on moral responsibility.
From the Paper
"It would seem, then, that free will is not only necessary from an ethical standpoint, but that it is entirely consistent with the world that we experience around us. Free will can be influenced by the outside causes, but these causes are not the end to the story of choice and volition as the naturalists would claim. Rather, the individual possesses the ability to interpret and choose based on those influences--and any other internal or external factors--and make decisions wholly independent of the world. That is the basis for free will, which will remain the core of ethical and moral responsibility for human beings."
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Traditional Naturalist Claims: The Problems Therein, 2007.
A discussionon the philosophical position of naturalism.
993 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the concept of naturalism. According to the paper, naturalism believes that the world is constructed and ordered in purely material terms, but there is little evidence to suggest that this is the whole story. The paper goes on to say that naturalism fails as a useful, empirical explanation of the universe because it imagines itself to be somehow above and outside of the influence of wishful thinking.
From the Paper
"In the same vein, naturalists imagine that all situations and circumstances in the universe have a mechanical explanation; i.e., it is possible to provide a natural explanation of every phenomenon (Dubray par. 3). Worse, this obviously ideological position is not supported by anything but the naturalist's wishful thinking. For example, though evolution is the source of heated debate, no self-respecting scientist would argue that contradictory evidence or poor understanding is a challenge to the eventual discovery of the mechanisms of evolution (Johnson par. 8). There is never a doubt in the head of the naturalist that evolution, or any other complex and poorly understood subject, has a natural explanation that can be reasoned out through an examination of possible natural mechanisms. But, of course, this position is not a function of empirical fact, and it would be a stretch to definitely state that macroevolution is well documented at the empirical level. Rather, the faith in evolution as a mechanism of species change is based on the philosophical presupposition of naturalism, not evidence that such a mechanism actually exists (Johnson par. 3)."
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American Transcendentalism, 2007.
This paper analyzes the transcendentalist school, known as American Transcendentalism, a movement started in the nineteenth century in New England with the publication of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Nature".
1,240 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the concept of transcendentalism is often used in religious and philosophical debates to describe the characteristic of divinity, the feature of God to transcend being and the immanent world. The author relates that famous intellectuals of the time such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, George Putnam, Elisabeth Palmer Peabody and Frederick Henry Hedge shaped this movement with the founding of the Transcendental Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1836. The paper concludes that the philosophy and evolution of the philosophical and religious perspective of transcendentalism should be seen only within the larger frame of the dominant ideology of the time and of the epistemological barriers and rigid framework, which were dominant in the universities of the time.
From the Paper
"For Emerson, on the other hand, the unity between the soul and the nature is announced even since the publication of his work "Nature". Here, he expressed that all the beings in the Nature are interconnected with each other and with the infinite Oversoul, or Nature. The reverberations of individual acts are felt within the entire system as consequences and the individual has not only the ability to decide autonomously about his acts, but also the duty to deal with the consequences of his own actions, when confronted to his own internal intuition, with his soul."
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John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding", 2007.
This paper analyzes the critical debate surrounding John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding".
1,560 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" is especially important because his writings inspired Thomas Jefferson's participation in the Declaration of Independence. The author points out that scholars also are attracted to Locke's "Essay" because he draws a provocative line between what he sees as primary and secondary qualities. The paper concludes that, regardless of the haggling of scholars and philosophy students, Locke is justified in drawing distinctions between primary and secondary qualities because distinctions between all worldly matter is a requirement of life.
From the Paper
"Yolton follows that with what he believes Locke really meant; "The mental content of any act of awareness or thought" is an "idea" to Locke. But as to the primary qualities, on page 130, Yolton breaks Locke's concept of an object into five "propositions." One, objects "have primary qualities non-relationally"; two, objects are observed "or perceived" to have both primary and secondary qualities"; three, the qualities that one can observe to be "dependent upon other objects" are both "perceivers and other bodies"; four, ideas of primary qualities and primary qualities themselves are connected ..."
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Timothy Sermon, 2007.
This paper analyzes 2 Timothy 4:2 from the King James Bible.
1,024 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that 2 Tim 4:2 teaches us how to live in this world. The writer maintains that it is a proactive passage, one that focuses on the footwork we must do to help create God's kingdom on earth. The writer points out that we are urged to speak with and from our heart of hearts the good news of the gospel. Further, the writer suggest that to be instant suggests spontaneity: the joy that derives from expressing the instantaneous glory of God. Moreover, the writer claims that we become instantly available as reliable messengers. In addition, the writer believes that the people around us respond when we come from the heart and thus we help spread the gospel.
From the Paper
"Out of season we become willing to swim against the tide, delivering the word of God even when it seems no one is listening or even that no one cares. In the current day and age, the moral and spiritual climate may appear out of season. It is in times like these that our work is most important. Being instant in this case signifies swiftness of spirit: the willingness to jump at any available opportunity to offer aid or assistance in the name of Christ. Though the gospel may be out of season, out of fashion, or out of place, the word of God still resonates within you. Therefore, preaching the word and being instant in season and out of season entails both inner and outer work. In the world, we take these words literally by speaking frankly about the gospel of Christ. For ourselves, we read, we re-read, and we re-apply the principles of the gospel in everything we do, say, and think. Even when you do not preach formally you can still be a role model that proves how God works through mankind."
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Aristotle and Ethics, 2007.
This paper studies Aristotle's views on virtue and ethics.
2,056 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in the second book of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle defines the relation between character and virtue as being mediated by or depending on the two antagonist feelings of pleasure and pain. The writer then points out that Aristotle's proposition that virtue is about pleasure and pain implies that goodness is inevitably related to the feelings that accompany an action. In this way, one sees that, for Aristotle, the optimal actions of a certain human being are the result of the virtuous character, which is in fact, a state of the soul. The writer notes that the virtuous character is in its turn, determined by the other states, or the feelings of pleasure and pain experienced in a certain situation or when performing a particular action. The writer concludes that Aristotle's implication is that no action is good of itself, unless supported by the proper feelings, and that this would be the essence of ethics.
From the Paper
"Thus, it is imperative to discriminate between, for example, an individual who abstains and enjoys abstaining, and an individual who is equally abstinent, but does this with great pain. The distinction between these two apparently identical and good actions is, according to Aristotle, precisely one of virtue of character."
"This is why, in his view the reaction of either pleasure or pain to a certain situation or state of facts always determines the character of a certain person. However, to attain virtue is not at all simple, given the fact that, as Aristotle asserts we are used to indulging in wrong actions that provide us with pleasure."
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Creativity and Madness, 2007.
This paper studies the correlation between mental illness and creative ability.
1,189 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that for many years, experts have studied the possible link between creativity and madness. Throughout history, some of the most creative people on earth have behaved in ways that seemed outside of the norm. The writer discusses a study that indicates that while mental illness does not have to accompany creativity, there is a connection between the two in many cases.The writer points out that recent scientific research concluded that there are more mentally ill people in the creative professions and arts than there are in the scientific or business world. The writer concludes that these studies lend credibility to the thought that creativity and madness are closely linked.
From the Paper
"It is commonly believed by experts in the mental health field, that mood disorders are sometimes responsible for the enhancement of creativity. Bipolar patients will stop taking medications because they believe it stunts their creative flow and they are unable to write or compose while taking them."
"The study into the correlation between mental illness and creative ability, gathered intensive biographies of more than 1,000 people, over a decade long period. They were all deceased by the time the study took place, and they had all lived in the 20th century. This was important as it leveled the playing field and removed the ability to attribute differences to cultural or evolutionary processes."
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Face to Face with God, 2007.
This paper analyzes the book 'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' by C.S. Lewis.
1,419 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the book 'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' by C.S. Lewis and notes that Lewis has created a complex novel in his retelling of the story of Cupid and Psyche. The writer points out that it is a novel with numerous themes and meanings, one which is very deep and reflects on the very core of the interaction between human nature and spirituality. The writer relates that speaking largely on the power of God, the Divine, love, jealousy and family among other themes, Lewis creates a powerful character in Orual whose transformation reflects on the very nature of God's involvement in life and on love, spirituality, and holiness within an individual. The writer concludes that Orual went through the process of gaining a face through her conversion and through her realization of her own self-deception, Lewis is suggesting that it requires internal awakening of the divine before true conversion and understanding of God can be reached.
From the Paper
"Orual's conversion, and her own struggles with the divine, is reflective of the challenges humans must overcome to discover God. To find God, one must first find God in him or herself. Only through finding the divine inside, can one truly discover God. With the veil over the faces, to borrow Lewis' metaphor, humans have to face, and therefore cannot see the face of God. The face of God is not for humans to see anyway, because it is so pure and divine. However, there will come a day when we all have faces, as the title suggests, and then truly can we discover God. Ultimately, we must discover the Godliness in us as individuals; we must all undergo the conversion of Orual. The love that humans think they feel is not unconditional and it has to be to discover God. Discovering God is finding heavenly love in oneself, and to discover that one must believe in the greater spiritual powers without empirical proof. Psyche found her true happiness by trusting God, and she had beauty that was limitless. In Till We Have Faces, Lewis depicts how humans must go through a conversion, a difficult conversion in which they find true love in themselves in order to understand the true love of God. Only then, can God be discovered."
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Kant and Mill, 2007.
An analysis of Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill's views of morality and their application to certain scenarios.
1,643 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the views expressed by Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill with regards to the metaphysics of morals and utilitarianism. In other words, it discusses moral obligations and motivations. The paper presents various examples where there are issues with morality and describes how Kant and Mill would view the situation and the conclusions they may have drawn.
From the Paper
"Mill, on the other hand, might view Judah's act as one that is morally permissible. For Mill, the principle of utility must factor in the relative pain of Dolores' death, and the pain of those who would be affected by allowing her to reveal their affair. With Dolores dead, Judah, his family, friends, and others would be spared the psychological harm of dealing with adultery and betrayal. No one would have to deal with the horrible divorce that would ensue. However, had Dolores broken up his marriage, then it seems no one, not even Judah or Dolores would be happy. So, in this sense, one would view the murder as a morally defensible action. This, however, does not seem entirely correct, as the pain of Dolores' death seems a much greater slight than the pain that his family would experience by the knowledge of the affair. Mill's principle of utility seems to be able to account for qualitative factors (in separating the two forms of pleasure, Mill obviously views qualitative factors as meaningful in moral calculus), thereby providing the justification that Dolores' murder is unacceptable, as her pain would outweigh the potential pleasure realized by her death, or the pain that would accompany her revealing the affair (cf. Mill 11)."
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Political Theory, 2007.
A review of the political theories of Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes and discusses the theories of both Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes in an effort to better understand political theory. The paper uses and explains direct quotes.
Outline:
Abstract
Machiavelli's and Hobbes' Perceptions of the Ruler
Political Philosophies of Machiavelli and Hobbes
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Hobbes stands in contrast to Machiavelli, at least on the surface, in terms of his theories on who should rule the state. Whereas Machiavelli advocates the ideas of absolute power, submission among subjects, and the gaining of authority through a display of force, Hobbes seems to be more attuned to the ideas of the nature of man to be essentially free, and the ruling of the state by a democratic type of a body, rather than a solitary dictator or despot. For example, one can consider the following quote from Hobbes: "The right of nature... is the liberty each man hath to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life." (Harrison, 2003, p. 67). In other words, Hobbes is saying that every person has within them certain rights, yearnings and liberties; as such, the individual is entitled, and indeed should, pursue their own interests and not be oppressed by rulers. Likewise, rulers should not attempt to force subjects into submission or to rule by intimidation or fear- for Hobbes, power must be earned and maintained through a level of fairness (Rogers, et al, 2000). Within this scope, the ruler should be motivated, in Hobbes' opinion, by serving the interests of the people over whom they govern. Likewise, the citizens would be involved in the political process, and the ruler, having earned the right to rule, would have the duty to effectively lead with conscience rather than sheer force."
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Atheism, 2007.
A discussion regarding the beliefs of atheists and deists, focusing primarily on atheism.
1,461 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This research explores arguments and counterarguments regarding the existence of God. According to the paper, atheists live in a material world and deny the existence of anything that cannot be seen, felt, or touched. The paper further reports that the key atheist argument is that God does not exist because the essence of God cannot be experienced on earth.
Outline:
Does God Exist?
The Atheist Viewpoint
The Deist Answer
From the Paper
"If we simply live and then die, our actions do not matter. The future does not matter; therefore, humankind must have some higher purpose. Atheists argue that our higher purpose is in service to man and the future inhabitants of earth. Deism does not undermine man's need to serve the future generations of humankind; it simply recognizes and embraces man's higher purpose. If one is dedicated to God and the higher purpose of improving humankind, then one does no have to justify their reason for existence through actions. Both deists and atheists have their sights on the future, the difference is that Atheists must justify their existence through actions. However, they have no investiture in the outcomes of their actions."
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David Hume, 2007.
This paper looks at the beliefs and works of philosopher, historian and economist David Hume.
4,340 words (approx. 17.4 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 114.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that David Hume was seen as a very prominent figure in history both in the Scottish enlightenment and in Western philosophy. The writer notes that interest in Hume's work in recent years has become more centered on the philosophical writing that he did, but it was for being a historian that he originally gained some notoriety. The writer points out that much of what Hume had to say became closely involved with others as they examined their own philosophies and ideas. This made Hume's work much more significant because so much of what he stated and believed in was studied by others and expanded on as time passed. The writer concludes that Hume meant a great deal to many philosophers, and this is part of the reason that his work is still so alive and important today while the work of others of his time have not been as closely studied.
From the Paper
"In David Hume's article on empiricism, he attempts to show how some things that people believe to be real are the product of false knowledge, and there is a difference between things that people perceive to be true and things that actually are true. Hume's theory is that only things that can be proven, such as mathematics, are absolutely true. Other things may seem to be true because something usually happens related to something else, but even though this seems to always be the case there is room for argument in that it does not have to be the case every time, simply because it has happened that way in the past. Hume believes that the only truth is mathematical truth, and that there are many other things in the world that people falsely perceive to be true because they have not subjected those things to an examination that is serious enough to show otherwise."
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Hedonistic Act-Utilitarianism, 2007.
An examination of the various types of utilitarianism, particularly hedonistic act-utilitarianism, and their applications to life.
3,128 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and discusses the concept of hedonistic act-utilitarianism. It discusses the importance of morality in society and how the theory of morality changes depending on how one defines one's social obligations. It then describes the utilitarian theory and how a Utilitarian may view an act. The paper goes on to discuss rule utilitarianism and the various types of utilitarianism, such as hedonism and egoism. The paper concludes by exploring the concept of hedonistic act-utilitarianism and its applications.
Table of Contents:
Heroism and the Call to Duty
Utilitarianism and Justice
Hedonism and Egoism
What, Other Than Pleasure, Is Valuable?
Issues of Utilitarian Impartiality
From the Paper
"According to Hurka and Copp (pp. 357-380) utilitarianisms affects the groups, more so than the individual. Therefore, the same dilution effect can be seen in the division of the greater social good. When one considers the group, everyone receives a smaller piece of the pie. The plausibility of hedonism in a utilitarian act depends on one's definition of pleasure and how the group dynamics work as far as spreading the rewards and punishments to their members. It is plausible to have hedonism and utilitarianism together. However, one must be careful to qualify their definitions. One can speak of the hedonistic acts of an individual or the hedonistic acts of a group. It is plausible for a group to have hedonistic act-utilitarian. However, this is more difficult for the individual because of the differences in perception. The answer to the question lies in which microscope one uses to examine the issue."
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