Aristippus of Cyrene, Pleasure and the Present

Name: Aristippus of Cyrene, Pleasure and the Present
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ISBN: 9781009766692

Georgia Mouroutsou (King's University College and Western University)

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English

Cambridge University Press
08 January 2026

Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500; Ethics & moral philosophy; Cognitivism, cognitive theory

Series: Elements in Ancient Philosophy

This Element offers a new historical account of Aristippus the Elder's views on pleasure and the present. Instead of treating Aristippus as merely proto-Cyrenaic or anachronistically modern, it uncovers in the ancient sources a neglected form of hedonism that endorses a present-focused therapeutic policy, while exploring its underlying motivations. Aristippan hedonism promotes a moment-to-moment disposition to pleasure rather than its maximization through future calculation, supporting a euthymic model of well-being that prioritizes the present. After distinguishing Aristippus from the later Cyrenaics regarding hedonic calculations to maximize pleasure, the Element yet supports continuity with his followers in the cognitive elements of the concept and the experience of pleasure, challenging his alleged sensualism in this way. Once the historical groundwork is in place, the Element introduces the hypothesis of the plasticity of the present, which moves beyond historical interpretation to offer an ethical-psychological account of a sustained focus on present time.

By: Georgia Mouroutsou (King's University College and Western University)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Weight: 130g
ISBN: 9781009766692
ISBN 10: 1009766694
Series: Elements in Ancient Philosophy
Pages: 80
Publication Date: 08 January 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. Introducing Aristippus of Cyrene: challenges and objectives; 2. A historical reconstruction; 3. Beyond historical reconstruction: Aristippus and the 'plasticity of the present'; References.