PHIL 2550 Study Guide - Final Guide: Moral Psychology, John Stuart Mill, Stanley Milgram
9 Feb 2018
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1: explain the egoism/altruism debate (ch 5). Be sure to explain what are instrumental and ultimate desires, and what role they play in the debate. The egoism and altruism divide is substantially empirical. According to thomas hobbes; altruism, at the most basic level is motivated by the overall benefit of the individual, and the overall welfare of others (cushman & doris, 148). Individuals consciously and subconsciously practice altruism due to the unselfish nature it promotes. Historically, philosophers feared that humans would eventually operate in egoism. This fear stems from the ideology that egoism promotes self-interest over united interest. In addition to the fear of societal egotistic operation, philosophers questioned if individuals would only act morally if they asked themselves the question why should i be moral? (cushman & doris, 148). An individual"s response to the question would be based on their own motivates.
