Xuan Wang
The concept of Molecular Hedonism derives from the philosophical theory whose adherents believe that pleasure and pain are the only essential elements in life. In simple terms, Hedonism is a way of life that pursues pleasure and avoids pain. The human tendency to attract and repel pleasure and pain is instinctual, and it explains the motivation behind most human behavior. It is essential to clarify the meaning of pleasure to discuss Hedonism. Abraham Maslow, who proposed the Hierarchy of Needs in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation,†divides human needs into three levels: basic needs, psychological needs, and self-fulfillment needs. People gain satisfaction when their needs are met.
This thesis proposes Molecular Hedonism as a probe for observing human behavior and examines our motivation for pursuing pleasure throughout history. What is pleasure? Why is pleasure important? When analyzing pleasure at the microcosmic level, how do our genes, molecules, or atoms relate to hedonism? The tendency to fulfill a need is the main reason behind a choice. It can be basic needs, psychological needs, and self-fulfillment needs. Nevertheless, are all needs worth fulfilling?
This thesis proposes Molecular Hedonism as a probe for observing human behavior and examines our motivation for pursuing pleasure throughout history. What is pleasure? Why is pleasure important? When analyzing pleasure at the microcosmic level, how do our genes, molecules, or atoms relate to hedonism? The tendency to fulfill a need is the main reason behind a choice. It can be basic needs, psychological needs, and self-fulfillment needs. Nevertheless, are all needs worth fulfilling?
Links
Molecular Hedonism Learn more on thesis website. Pleasure Molecule Direct link to online interactive version of project Pleasure Molecule.
Pleasure Molecule
Theoretically, Hedonism refers to the pursuit of pleasure and the expulsion of pain. However, people are likely to refer to Hedonism as self-indulgence in most contexts. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines self-indulgence as excessive or unrestrained gratification of one’s appetites, desires, or whims. Another term, “Asceticism,†refers to the opposite of self-indulgence. It is described as “the practice of strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline,†and “rigorous abstention from self-indulgence.†However, when interrogating the two terms in another way, both self-indulgence and asceticism help people achieve a level of fulfillment, which is “pleasure†in the context of this thesis.
The tendency to fulfill a need is the main reason behind a choice. It can be basic needs, psychological needs, and self-fulfillment needs. Nevertheless, are all needs worth fulfilling? The capstone project “Pleasure Molecule†is built for people who struggle with procrastination, idleness, or spend hours scrolling on social media.
This project aims to create a hedonic experience for users. The interacting Hedonic Box and looping graphics immerse the user into the world of pleasurable molecules. It also intends to raise the question of what is worth pursuing in life through immersive space. The pleasure of a molecule can be as pure as living, but being human is complicated.
The tendency to fulfill a need is the main reason behind a choice. It can be basic needs, psychological needs, and self-fulfillment needs. Nevertheless, are all needs worth fulfilling? The capstone project “Pleasure Molecule†is built for people who struggle with procrastination, idleness, or spend hours scrolling on social media.
This project aims to create a hedonic experience for users. The interacting Hedonic Box and looping graphics immerse the user into the world of pleasurable molecules. It also intends to raise the question of what is worth pursuing in life through immersive space. The pleasure of a molecule can be as pure as living, but being human is complicated.
The loop of the graphics represents the continuous movement of the particles, just like people’s never-ending pursuit of pleasure. Moreover, the molecule refers to people’s genetic impulses to achieve pleasure.