Psychological Egoism (Lecture 8)

Question 1

What is psychological egoism?

Answer 1

An anti-ethical theory

Question 2

What does psychological egoism say is our main motivation in life?

Answer 2

Goal of every action we make is for our own self interest or to gain some sort of satisfaction

Question 3

What is the main premise of psychological egoism?

Answer 3

All rational humans are inherently selfish
Hobbes argues that there is no such thing as “unselfish” or selfless

Question 4

According to Hobbes, what is charity?

Answer 4

Charity is the desire to demonstrate your own power and success by flaunting your ability to help others

Question 5

According to Hobbes, what is pity?

Answer 5

Pity is feeling bad for others because we can imagine ourselves in that situation
-something like an investment in your future so that someone will help you in you’re ever in that spot

Question 6

What are some arguments for this theory?

Answer 6

1) we only do what we want to do
2) people only help others to make themselves feel good

Question 7

What are the problems with these arguments?

Answer 7

1) we often do things we dont want to do to help people
2) wanting to help others isn’t selfish
- if you want to help its because you care about the person. Is caring about others selfish?
3) not all acts are selfish or motivated by self interest (ex. Smoking, your choice but not in your interest)