COMM 215 Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Applying Moral Theories
Document Summary
A desire to promote self-interest vs. a desire to act in a morally responsible way. Plausible version of egoism that satisfies the criterion of impartiality (fairness) Moral statements are supposed to take a universal point of view i(cid:374) (cid:449)hi(cid:272)h ea(cid:272)h perso(cid:374)"s interest counts the same. Ethical egoism: each person ought to pursue what is in his self-interest. Individual ethical egoism: everyone ought to pursue my best interests (*does not meet impartiality. We do not want others to be egoists. The only morally acceptable version of egoism is universal ethical egoism (everyone ought to do was is in his or her self interest) The impartial standpoint is that the egoist recognizes that everyone has an equal right to pursue his or her own interest. Thomas hobbes: showed how human nature leads people to live in an egoistic state. Moral side constraints: (acknowledging that some things are simply wrong to do) Ex: violating the basic moral prohibitions of morality.
