Ethics Chapter 4: Egoism, Altruism & the Social Contract

Reciprocal Altruism

altruism makes sense because they can pay you back later. ex) you scratch by back and i will scratch yours

Pro-social behaviors

motivated by concern for others (altruistic)

Social Contract Theory

the belief that we all would be better off if everyone looked out for themselves instead of worrying about each other

Paradox of hedonism

"the impulse toward pleasure, if too predominant, defeats its own aim" ex) if we try to become happy while only focusing on happiness and not other factors, we will fail

Strengths of Ethical Egoism

can still benefit others, freedom, couldn't all acts be considered selfish in some way. ex) Lincoln saving pigs b/c he couldn't deal with leaving them

Altruism

concern for the well-being of others

Psychological Egoism

descriptive theory about what people are like. ex) people are selfish

Ethical Egoism

is is 'good' for people to pursue their own self-interest, must consider from who's perspective. ex) if i collect bottles for 10 years I can buy a car

Normative Question of Egoism

is selfishness good or bad?

Weaknesses of Ethical Egoism

need proof of continuous self interest, how can altruism be a lie, why should we be moral, naturalistic fallacy (we are selfish therefor that is moral)

Ethical Egoism (objectivism)

normative theory, what we ought to do, how we ought to act, divided into individual ethical egoism (look out for best interest) or universal ethical egoism (i scratch your back, you scratch mine)

Descriptive Egoism (psychological egoism)

people are basically selfish/self-interested

Egoists

primarily concerned with their own well-being