exam essay question 4: psychological egoism

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7 Terms

1

what is psychological egoism?

the only thing that people can desire or pursue for its own sake is their own self-interest.

Altruistic action does not exist.

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2

is psychological egoism descriptive or normative?

Descriptive (declarative), because it describes something as being a certain way.

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3

Argument #2 for psychological egoism

P: when our actions are successful, they are typically accompanied by pleasure.

— ———————————————————————

C: therefore, the purpose of our actions is to attain pleasure

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4

Why is argument #2 for psychological egoism wrong?

the premise does not support the conclusion.

EXAMPLE: A ship is running on coal, but its main purpose isnt to burn coal.

the argument conflates consequence (coal burning) with purpose or motivation.

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5

why does the fact that we often feel pleasure when we benefit other creatures pose a problem for
psychological egoism?

This is Argument #1 against PE: An Argument from Benevolence.

THE SAVING A PIG ARGUMENT

P2 and C states that we somtimes desire the well-being of others for their own sake.

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6

The paradox of hedonism

Argument #2 against PE

“Those who seek only pleasure or happiness for its own sake never find it”

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7

Implication of the paradox of hedonism

to be happy, one must value something besides one’s own self-interest for its own sake.

some of us seek something besides our own self interest for its own sake.

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