Although commonly defended as a moral theory about the proper aim of human conduct, hedonism is usually grounded on the psychological claim that all human beings do in fact act only in such a way as to maximize their own happiness .
Utilitarianism offers a practical method of calculating hedonic value .
The Essential Epicurus , tr. Also see OCP on hedonism generally , ancient hedonism , and the hedonic calculus , IEP , BGHT , Roberto Dante Flores , ISM , CE , and PP . For a discussion of his life and works, see Hegel . Also see OCP and ISM . German philosopher who used the techniques of Husserl 's phenomenology in a more openly metaphysical programme, which resulted in the development of existentialism .