PP110 Lecture Notes - Psychological Egoism, Egotism, Selfishness
Document Summary
Descriptive/empirical theory about human nature (the way things are why people behave in a particular way mind): people only ever act for the sake of their own interests; they are selfish beings: the evidence. The strategy of re-interpreting motives (not a definitive argument) Ex. psychological egoists consider all good works done by the person will have personal gain jane works as a hospital (his motivation is a good reference for med school) All actions human beings take are done through personal interest. People do not need to agree with you. Thomas hobbes: claimed that the real motivation to give to a starving child is you are showing the society that you are more capable than others (ex. Bill gates help those in need for personal gain: claims that sympathy is caused by fear of action happening to self (ex. you are afraid that your friend"s injury could have happened to you instead)
