Psychological egoism - Deepstash
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Psychological egoism

It is the theory that all our actions are motivated by self-interest.

The view is endorsed by philosophers such as Tomas Hobbes and Friedrich Nietzsche.

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Objections to psychological egoism

The most obvious objection to psychological egoism is that there are numerous clear examples of people putting others' interests before their own.

Although psychological egoists think they can explain seemingly virtuous actions, their theory rests on a false account of hu...

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Why psychological egoism is appealing

  • It satisfies our preference for simplicity. In science, we favour theories that explain several phenomena by showing them to all be controlled by the same force. Newton's theory of gravity gives one principle to explain a falling apple.
  • It offers a seemingl...

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Selfish vs. selfless action

  • A selfish action sacrifices someone else's interests for their own. For example, grabbing the last slice of cake.
  • An unselfish action is where you place another person's interests ahead of your own. For example, you offer someone the l...

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The self-interested action

A self-interested action is one that is motivated to serve your own interest. You drink water because you have an interest in quenching your own thirst. You show up for work because you have an interest in being paid.

Psychological egoists think they can explain a...

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The Origins of Nihilism

  • Nihilism originated during 300 B.C.E. where certain discussions by the Buddha related to our actions having no meaning or consequences in this world.
  • The Greek statesman Demosthenes also contributed to its origins.
  • The modern understanding of nihilism is associated with Fried...

Why psychological egoism is appealing

  • It satisfies our preference for simplicity. In science, we favour theories that explain several phenomena by showing them to all be controlled by the same force. Newton's theory of gravity gives one principle to explain a falling apple.
  • It offers a seemingl...

First-Hand Knowledge

First-Hand Knowledge

Instead of following preset beliefs (good or bad), Friedrich Nietzsche, the famous German philosopher, took the hard role of a life archaeologist, with an attempt to uncover the base truths that govern our actions and belief patterns.

History, and its momentum, he said, is the reason ...

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