PHILOS 2YY3 Lecture : Ethics and Egoism
20 Jan 2012
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Psychological egoism: we always act in our own self-interest. Ethical egoism: each person ought to pursue their self-interest exclusively. That he had a more sophisticated view (he talks about pity, honour, courage as motivators). That it is uncharitable to view hobbes as a psychological egoist. Hobbes being an egoist creates problems for his view. We have equal abilities and vulnerabilities (in terms of potential, body, mind) Our ends are principally our self-preservation and enjoyment. Fear of death and desire for good life incline us to peace. Right to all things (even to another s body) State of nature is the state of war. Constrain liberty (to lay down right to all things but then to be contented with having. Recognize general rules equal liberty or by having your liberty constrained by the liberty of other people) Coercive power needed to compel performance and act as arbitrator.
