Week 1 – A Criminology of Pleasure

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

How does Aristotle differentiate pleasure from happiness?

  • Pleasure is always positive and good, while happiness may not be.
  • Pleasure is linked to physical sensations, whereas happiness is emotional.
  • Pleasure is a transient feeling, while happiness is enduring. (correct)
  • Pleasure is the same as happiness in all contexts.

According to Jeremy Bentham's ‘hedonic calculus,’ what factors are essential for measuring pleasure?

  • Intensity, duration, and pain relativity. (correct)
  • Duration, quality, and social acceptance.
  • Satisfaction, ease, and duration.
  • Intensity, duration, and novelty.

Which of the following does NOT represent one of the key varieties of pleasure identified by Thomas Hurkle?

  • Being in a good mood.
  • Intellectual pleasure from reading.
  • Counted pleasures from achieving wealth. (correct)
  • Physical pleasure.

What is a common misconception about pleasure being defined as an absence of pain?

<p>Absence of pain is always a desirable state. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In comparing people with numerous intense pleasures to someone with a singular pleasure like reading, what philosophical question arises?

<p>Who leads the morally better life? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Epicurus emphasize regarding pleasure?

<p>Pleasure is not inherently bad, but its pursuit can have negative consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophy is primarily concerned with the happiness or pleasure of the greatest number?

<p>Utilitarianism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Marquis de Sade known for regarding personal freedom?

<p>Arguing for extreme personal freedom in the pursuit of pleasure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does utilitarianism view the relationship between morality and pleasure?

<p>Right and wrong should be determined by the outcomes, particularly in terms of pleasure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about Epicurus's philosophy of pleasure is commonly held?

<p>Epicurus encouraged unrestrained indulgence as the path to happiness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Sigmund Freud suggest is primarily responsible for driving human behavior?

<p>The libido (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Epicurus describe the pursuit of unnecessary desires?

<p>It creates anxiety and discomfort (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In criminology, how is pleasure often viewed in terms of criminal behavior?

<p>As a driving force that can motivate crime (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the pleasure principle (Eros) oppose in Freud's theory?

<p>The death principle (Thanatos) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is discussed in relation to understanding the motivations behind criminal acts?

<p>Pleasure subculture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, how are irrational behaviors in the financial market explained?

<p>By factors that are irrational and pleasurable (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the motivation for punishment in social actions?

<p>It could be explained as a pursuit of pleasure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical perspective on pleasure regarding consumer behavior in the economy?

<p>It fosters consumer satisfaction and spending (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pleasure

An evaluative feeling, involving a personal experience and knowledge associated with sensations.

Pleasure vs. Pain

Absence of pain isn't always pleasure; pleasure is more nuanced than just the lack of discomfort.

Varied Pleasures

Pleasures are diverse, ranging from physical sensations to emotional states and accomplishments.

Intensity of Pleasure

The strength or force of a pleasurable sensation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hedonic Calculus

A way to measure pleasure based on factors like intensity and duration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pleasure Comparison

Comparing different experiences to determine the 'better' or 'more satisfying' pleasure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epicureanism

A philosophy that emphasizes pleasure as the highest good, but not unlimited or reckless pursuit of it. It prioritizes long-term well-being and avoiding unnecessary pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Utilitarianism

A moral philosophy that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pleasure as a social issue

Certain philosophies see pleasure as a fundamental factor influencing social behavior and choices.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sadism

The tendency to derive pleasure from inflicting pain on others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Marquis de Sade

A philosopher associated with extreme personal freedom and pleasure, even at others' expense and sometimes controversial due to ideas on pleasure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epicurus

A Greek philosopher who emphasized finding happiness through moderation, friendship, and tranquility, not through continuous excess.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pleasure as aim of life

Several philosophical views consider the pursuit and maximization of pleasure as the primary life goal.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pleasure Principle (Eros)

The drive to seek pleasure and avoid pain, a key concept in psychoanalytic theory.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Death Principle (Thanatos)

The drive toward aggression and destruction, often contrasting with the pleasure principle.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Libido

A person's interest in sexual activity or objects, a key concept in psychoanalytic theory.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subcultural Approaches to Crime

Understanding criminal acts by examining the pleasure subcultures that motivate them.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Criminology - 'thrill and buzz'

A perspective that analyzes crime through the lens of pleasure-seeking and excitement, especially intense or risky actions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pleasure in Punishment

The argument that the desire to punish may be driven by a pleasurable emotional response.

Signup and view all the flashcards

2008 Financial Crash & Irrational Pleasure

The financial crash of 2008 was partly driven by irrational and pleasurable economic incentives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epicureanism

The philosophy that emphasizes simple pleasures and moderation to avoid anxieties associated with intense desires.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pleasure and Criminology

The study of how the pursuit of pleasure influences criminal behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Seduction of Crime

A theory that crime can be pleasurable and alluring.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Week 1 – A Criminology of Pleasure

  • Pleasure is not universal; two people may not experience the same pleasure.
  • Pleasure is something felt, tied to experience and knowledge.
  • Is pleasure a singular entity? Can pleasure from drugs be the same as pleasure from spending time with family?
  • Pleasure can be defined as the absence of pain; but is the absence of pain always a good thing?
  • Aristotle differentiated pleasure from happiness.
  • Jeremy Bentham identified 14 types of pleasure.
  • He attempted a "hedonic calculus" to measure pleasure, based on intensity and duration.
  • Are intense pleasures better than milder ones?
  • Can we compare people with multiple intense pleasures to someone with fewer, but different, pleasures?
  • Thomas Hurkel identified four types of pleasure:
    • Simple, localized (physical) pleasures.
    • Simple, extended (good mood) pleasures.
    • Pleasures from success (e.g., scoring high on an exam).
    • Extended, overall satisfaction (life has been good).
  • Pleasure, intensity, and pain are complex concepts; can they be compared?
  • Pleasure can be defined as the absence of pain. But is this always a good thing?

Philosophies of Pleasure

  • Pleasure as a social issue: Certain philosophies see pleasure as a major factor in shaping society.
  • The aim of life is to increase pleasure and reduce pain.
  • Pleasure is the highest good; actions that bring pleasure should be considered right.
  • Epicurus (340-270 BCE): Greek philosopher with a philosophy emphasizing pleasure; often associated with hedonism.
  • He did not advocate unlimited pleasure: argued that some pleasures lead to greater disturbances than the pleasure itself.
  • Marquis de Sade: Advocated for maximal personal freedom, especially in seeking pleasure.

Criminology and Pleasure

  • Sadism: A tendency towards deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others.
  • Utilitarianism: The belief that morally good actions maximize happiness/pleasure for the greatest number of people. It impacts policies, modern state and capitalism.
  • Sigmund Freud: More psychoanalytic, psychological perspective. Pleasure is connected to the libido (desire) which is contained in the ID and regulated by the ego.
  • Pleasure Principle versus Death Principle (Eros versus Thanatos): Opposing forces that influence behaviour.
  • Drug control: Criminology looks at the control/regulation of pleasure through drugs.
  • Criminalizing sexual behaviours: Discussion on the regulation of sexual behaviours from a criminological perspective.
  • Familiar explanations of crime include choice, economic compulsion, differential association and environment.
  • Could the pursuit of pleasure explain criminal motivation?
  • Jack Katz's 'Seduction of crime' argues crime is often pleasurable.
  • Subcultural approaches examine origins of pleasure in particular groups (e.g., graffiti artists).
  • Cultural criminology examines 'thrill and buzz' as motivations for crime.
  • Punishment: Exploring the potential for pleasure derived from punishing others.
  • Financial crash (2008): An example of where pleasure-driven decisions impacted economics.

Criminology and Economic Incentives

  • Criminology can help in understanding economic incentives(wealth, power, prestige) and how they are related to pleasure.
  • Pursuing unnecessary desires can lead to more anxiety and discomfort than happiness.
  • A balanced life, with moderate desires, can lead to true happiness without the dissatisfaction of intense cravings.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser