PHI 2397 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Reciprocal Altruism, Glaucon, Richard Dawkins
12 Oct 2014
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Egoism (all about myself) seeking own self-interest; selfishness. Adam smith wealth of nations (18th century scottish) Ayn rand atlas shrugged, the fountainhead (20th century russian/american) A true selfish person would want a world of altruistic people that they can prey on. Freiderich neitzsche very influential in 19th century german. You are morally obligated to seek your self-interest. Adam smith best result for the group is when each person pursues own self-interest . A theory of moral sentiments and wealth of nations. The reason we"re nice is because of empathy/sympathy. Originally one book, split into two; people only read second not first. Nash equation: best result comes when each person does what is best for themselves and for the team. Most, if not all ethical theories are normative. Wrote dialogues (plays that aren"t meant to be performed. ) We all admire, to a certain extent, the successful evil person, and despise, to a certain extent the unsuccessful good person.
