Lecture on Psychological Egoism

Introduction

• Speaker: Todd from Clemson University
• Subject: Psychological Egoism
• Definition: The belief that all human actions are motivated by self-interest.

Key Concepts

Psychological Egoism

• Description:
  • Not merely acting egoistically but holding the belief that everyone acts according to their own interests.
  • Examples include parenting for self-benefit (children looking fondly, avoiding societal guilt, financial security in old age).

Eleanor's Perspective

• Initial Beliefs:
  • Begins as a psychological egoist.
  • Influenced by her parents who displayed self-interested behavior.
  • Believes everyone has a self-serving agenda.
• Transformation:
  • Begins to see alternative, more altruistic ways.
  • Influenced by Chiti, who represents rule-based morality.

David Hume's Influence

• Philosophical Connection:
  • Moral motivation comes from sympathy with others.
  • Seen in Eleanor’s and Michael's evolving actions and motivations.

Chiti's Approach

• Rule-Based Morality:
  • Acts according to rules rather than sympathy.
  • Develops feelings but remains internally focused.

Tahania's Mixed Egoism

• Behavior:
  • Not a psychological egoist by belief.
  • Competes with her sister, exhibiting egoistic tendencies through giving.

Jason's Simplicity

• Naïveté:
  • Lacks a theory of human nature.
  • Desires immediate gratification like a child.
  • Actions, though egoistic, appear less compromised.

Reflection on Psychological Egoism

• Philosophical Exercise:
  • Raises questions about moral vs. self-serving motives.
  • Encourages reflective thinking about personal motives.
• Dual Motivation:
  • Actions can be simultaneously moral and self-serving.
  • Psychological egoism challenges individuals to scrutinize their true motivations.

Conclusion

• Psychological egoism provides an interesting framework for exploring human motivation and morality.
• Encourages deeper reflection on why we act the way we do, distinguishing between self-serving and altruistic intentions.