"Psychological Hedonism" argues that every human action is motivated by the pursuit of pleasure. "Ethical Hedonism" or "Moral Hedonism" argues that every human action ought to be motivated by the pursuit of pleasure. From these definitions it is notable that "moral hedonism" acknowledges that it is possible that an individual not be motivated by pleasure, but also argues that it is unwise to be motivated by anything other than pleasure. Epicurus is the founder of Epicureanism.
Epicurus (341-271 B.C.) argued that an individual ought to do the good, and the good is that which is pleasurable. Some pleasures result from satisfying one's natural desires, some of which are necessary such as the desire for food and sleep. Some pleasures are unnecessary and often have pains associated with them, such as the desire for sex. Still other pleasures result from satisfying vain desires and these desires are not always easily satisfied and may also have pain associated with them.
According to Epicurus, the individual should pursue those things, which are pleasurable without also having pains associated with. Consequently, we should try to develop values for beauty, prudence, honor, justice, courage, and honesty rather than the so-called "epicurean" sensualist because such sensualism is always mixed with pains. One's pleasure always should be moderated and real pleasure is the absence of pain.
