Final answer:
Utilitarianism's concept of diminishing returns and the logarithmic nature of utility illustrate how pursuing pleasure or domination leads to less satisfaction over time. This aligns with empirical evidence showing that the utility gained from increasing power diminishes, guiding individuals towards a balance that maximizes overall happiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of diminishing returns and the logarithmic nature of utility in hedonistic utilitarianism provide an analysis of the balance between pleasure and the satisfaction of desires while recognizing inherent limitations. The law of diminishing marginal utility, a cornerstone of this theory, posits that as a person consumes more of a particular good, the additional satisfaction or pleasure derived from further consumption decreases. This concept can be employed to understand human desires, such as the desire for domination. Empirical evidence often shows that as one achieves higher levels of power or status, the incremental benefits they experience diminish, and this can lead to a reevaluation of goals and actions to align with a more balanced approach to satisfaction and well-being.
Voltaire's observations on human nature reveal a recognition of the pursuit of power as an intrinsic human desire. However, hedonistic utilitarianism, with its focus on the greatest happiness principle, suggests that after a point, further pursuit of domination delivers lesser pleasure and may even detract from the overall well-being of the individual and others. Thus, it addresses the desire for domination by highlighting the limitations of such pursuit in terms of the total utility or happiness derived.