25 Oct Psychological egoism says that people act in their own self-interest even when it appears they are not, while ethical egoism says that people?should?act in their own self-interest and doin
Psychological egoism says that people act in their own self-interest even when it appears they are not, while ethical egoism says that people should act in their own self-interest and doing so is morally right.
For this discussion:
1. Explain something that you did (go on a mission trip, volunteer at a shelter) or something that you frequently do (drive the speed limit, take care of your children) that you thought you did for selfless reasons.
2. Argue as an psychological egoist would and explain how what you do/did could have actually been for your own benefit instead of for the benefit for someone else.
3. How does this analysis affect your view of yourself or others?
4. Do you think ethical egoism is a destructive moral view, or does it have moral benefits?
Directions:
Complete an initial post that is a minimum of 300 words and that adequately answers the questions. Included a file below explaining egoism.
The theory that states that people look
after their own self interest
An absolutist theory
Does not consider other options
A descriptive theory
Does not make a judgment
A British philosopher (1588-1679)
Agreed with Glaucon that:
Humans choose to live in a society with rules because it benefits us
Any show of concern for others only hides a true concern for ourselves
It is foolish to not look after ourselves
Believed that humans feel pity for others because we fear something similar happening to us
A theory that says people ought to act in their
own self interest
An absolutist theory
A normative theory
Makes a judgment or prescription about
behavior
A consequentialist theory
Focuses on consequences of actions
Russian-born American (1905-1982)
Believed that egoism benefits society People should not feel guilty for seeking their own
happiness
People should not feel obligated to help those who are “moochers and leeches.”
Everyone should give up his or her own self-interest
for others
Normative theory
Consequentialist theory
