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These examples illustrate how hedonism can explain some motivated behaviors. People are motivated to do things that they believe will bring them pleasure. For example, the person who chooses to eat the chocolate cake is motivated by the desire to experience the pleasure of eating chocolate. The person who chooses to go on vacation is motivated by the desire to experience the pleasure of relaxing and swimming in the ocean.

Hedonism can also explain why people avoid certain behaviors. For example, a person who is trying to lose weight may avoid eating chocolate cake because they know that it is high in calories and that eating it will not help them to achieve their goal.

It is important to note that hedonism is not a monolithic philosophy. There are different types of hedonism, and hedonists can disagree on how to best achieve pleasure. For example, some hedonists believe that the best way to achieve pleasure is to engage in physical pleasures, such as eating delicious food and having sex. Other hedonists believe that the best way to achieve pleasure is to engage in mental pleasures, such as learning new things and experiencing art.

Despite their differences, all hedonists agree that pleasure is the highest good and that the purpose of life is to pursue happiness. This belief can explain a wide range of motivated behaviors, from eating chocolate cake to going on vacation to studying for a test.