Final answer:
Under hedonism, having a pet cat could be good if it brings pleasure and well-being to the owner, but if the cat causes significant discomfort or pain, it could be deemed bad. The importance of mental and emotional pleasure is emphasized, and the hedonistic value of pet ownership is ultimately subjective.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is Having a Pet Cat Considered Good Under Hedonism?
By the standards of hedonism, having a pet cat can generally be considered good if it contributes to an individual's pleasure and emotional well-being. Hedonism, a philosophical approach from Epicurus, suggests that pleasure is the highest good and plays a central role in well-being. This notion is not restricted to mere bodily pleasures but includes mental and emotional states as well. If a pet cat provides companionship, happiness, and emotional comfort, then according to hedonism, this would be a good thing.
However, hedonism also recognizes that pleasure can be subjective and conditional. What brings pleasure to one person may not necessarily do the same for another. Moreover, if the responsibilities or consequences of having a cat such as expenses, allergies, or damage to property cause enough pain or discomfort, this would detract from the cat's value under hedonistic principles.
In summary, the determination of whether having a pet cat is good or bad under hedonism would highly depend on the individual's personal experiences of pleasure and pain associated with the pet.