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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.
is psychological egoism descriptive or normative?
Descriptive (declarative), because it describes something as being a certain way.
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
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.
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.
The paradox of hedonism
Argument #2 against PE
“Those who seek only pleasure or happiness for its own sake never find it”
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.
