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Hedonism is a word used to describe any way of thinking that gives pleasure a central role. The simplest form of hedonism in ethics is "whatever causes pleasure is right". This is disputed by some. For example, it could be argued that what is pleasurable for one person is not necessarily pleasurable for another. While this should not make a difference (as long as the person who does not find an activity pleasurable does not partake in this activity), in this case it is usually thought that if an activity involves more than one party, it must be pleasurable for both or all parties involved to be considered morally correct.
Another summary of hedonism, "Pleasure is the highest good" avoids some of these complexities, at the cost of not having clear, practical consequences.
Epicureanism is the best-known form of ancient hedonism. Epicurus identified pleasure with tranquility, and emphasized the reduction of desire over the immediate acquisition of pleasure.
The Utilitarianism of John Stuart Mill is sometimes classified as a type of hedonism, as it judges the morality of actions by their consequent contributions to the greater good and happiness of all. Note that this is considered to be "selfless" hedonism; whereas Epicurus recommends doing whatever makes an individual happiest, Mill promotes actions which make everyone happy.
Some of Sigmund Freud's theories of human motivation have been called psychological hedonism; his "life instinct" is essentially the observation that people will pursue pleasure. However, he introduces extra complexities with various other mechanisms, such as the "death instinct".
Christian Hedonism is a term for a theological movement promoted by several prominent church leaders of past and present, the tenets of which are that humans were created by (the Judeo-Christan) God with the purpose of lavishly enjoying God through knowing, worshipping, and serving him. This philosophy recommends pursuing the happiness and love of God as the ultimate in human fulfillment.
Quite a few people equate hedonism with sexuality and having a very loose or liberal view of the morality of sex. The opposite would be seen as antisexual.
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