Lecture 7. Chapter 5&9 Flashcards
What is Psychological Egoism?
Psychological Egoism is a descriptive theory. It
maintains that people are inherently self-interested
and they always act based on self-interest. As a
result, altruism is not possible.
Psychological Egoism claims we
have no choice; we always act based on self interest.
What kind of theory is Psychological Egoism?
Psychological Egoism is a descriptive theory. It
describes how people act. It claims that we always act
based on self interest and we cannot do otherwise.
What is Ethical Egoism? What kind of theory is it?
Ethical Egoism claims that we SHOULD act based on self interest. It is a Normative Theory.
The morally right act, for any particular situation, is the act that will most greatly benefit oneself.
[Book] What is Psychological Situationism?
The view that various aspects of a person’s situation (i.e. decision frame) influence their behavior (particularly their willingness to help others) and even how they think.
These include factors completely irrelevant to morality.
What is Altruism?
A concern for the well-being of others independent of any self-interest.
[Book] What is a Decision Frame?
Includes how a problem is presented and the entire context of the problem as the actor sees it: the choices, their consequences, and all surrounding influences.
In Hobbes’ view, if human nature is egoistic and there are limited resources, what results?
conflict (war) will arise as a result of competition for resources, fear of others, or attempts at glory
According to Hobbes and Locke, how do we get out of the state of nature?
Engage in a social contract. Hobbes thinks that the contract should be enforced by an absolute ruler. Locke thinks it should be enforced by a limited ruler
Which elements of John Locke’s ideas influenced The Declaration of Independence?
His idea that humans have unalienable rights and that it is the obligation of a ruler to protect those rights. If a ruler fails to protect his subject’s God-given rights, revolt is justifiable
According to Locke, can a subject engage in a social contract with an absolute ruler?
No. In order to engage in a social contract, all parties must have the ability to break the contract
A morally permissible action can be
Obligatory or optional. If the action is optional, it can be neutral or supererogatory.
What are some challenges to Ethical Egoism?
It does not satisfy Pojman’s standards regarding a good moral theory as it cannot be made public. Further, it advocates the prioritizing oneself (or one’s group) above all other; this is the foundation of all discriminatory practices.
[Book] What is a Social Contract?
An agreement established by a set of people (in actuality or theoretically) to set up a social system that fairly benefits all.
[Book] What is a Right?
Confers upon its holder a moral privilege to protect, utilize, or exercise control over something. It is a claim one person may validly make upon another.
[Book] What is the State of Nature?
For Locke, a moral and social condition for people in which no government or formal civil society exists.
