Introduction to Psychological Egoism, Relativism, and Hobbes' State of Nature

Flashcards defining core vocabulary terms from the transcript covering Psychological Egoism, Subjective Relativism, and Hobbesian political philosophy.

Psychological Egoism

The philosophical view asserting that all human actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest, even when immediate actions appear altruistic.

Self-Interest

Aiming toward the benefit or fulfillment of one's own personal interest without necessarily diminishing or harming the well-being of others.

Selfishness

Fulfilling one's own interests specifically by harming, diminishing, or sacrificing the well-being of others.

Ultimate vs. Immediate Goals

The egoist distinction holding that while an immediate goal may appear sacrificial or altruistic, the overarching ultimate goal over a lifetime always boils down to self-interest.

Ethical Egoism

The normative philosophical view asserting that individuals ought to act in their own self-interest.

David Campbell

Former APA president cited as arguing that humans are biologically hardwired for self-interest, endorsing both psychological and ethical egoism.

Hasty Generalization

An informal fallacy committed when a conclusion is drawn from a small or unrepresentative sample size rather than sufficient evidence.

Adverse Emphatic Arousal Reduction

A psychological phenomenon where witnessing distress in others creates uncomfortable personal feelings, prompting help as a self-interested means to eliminate one's own distress.

Self-Punishment Avoidance

The psychological motivation to assist someone in distress in order to avoid anticipated personal feelings of guilt or social shame.

Social Esteem Self-Rewards Attraction

The motivation to help someone in need driven by anticipating positive benefits to oneself, such as praise, material rewards, or feeling good about oneself.

Subjective Relativism

The view that terms like good, evil, and contempt are not inherent properties of objects, but arise entirely from the relation between a subject and an object.

Commonwealth

An institution, society, or government formed by a group of individuals coming together to preserve a common good and establish common rules of right and wrong.

State of Nature

The hypothetical primitive condition of humanity prior to the establishment of a commonwealth, characterized by Thomas Hobbes as a state of war of all against all.

Conservation

The primary motivation in the state of nature to act or fight strictly for the preservation of one's own life and survival.

Delectation

A motivation for conflict in the state of nature where an individual subdues or destroys others purely for delight or pleasure rather than mere survival.

Three Causes of Quarrel

The three principal drivers of conflict identified by Thomas Hobbes in the state of nature: Competition, Diffidence, and Glory.

Competition

A cause of quarrel in the state of nature where individuals invade and fight one another for gain over scarce resources.

Diffidence

A cause of quarrel arising from pervasive insecurity and mutual distrust, leading individuals to attack preemptively for safety.

Glory (Reputation)

A cause of quarrel where individuals fight over trifles or disrespect to establish a formidable reputation.

Capital Gains

Income generated from personal wealth and investments, such as real estate or annuities, as distinguished from earned labor income.