PHI 2397 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Golden Rule, Egotism, The Selfish Gene
6 Oct 2014
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The best result for the group is when each person pursues their own self-interest. Moral philospher books: a theory of moral sentiments and the wealth of nations significance of empathy. Ayn rand 20th century russian/american atlas shrugged, the fountainhead. It is natural to seek self-interest, your family > another family. You are morally obligated to seek your self-interest. A psychopath classified as one who lacks empathy. Business is usually attacked with allegations of lack of empathy. Some say we are designed for this. Thomas hobbes 17th century english => leviathan . No matter how you act, you are automatically wired for sell-interest. Psychological egoism: you give to charity so that you feel good. Choose to do something by nature not by choice. Psychological altruists psychological meant to help people. Comparing psychological egoism and altruism => no way to prove the theories. Problem is that you are not doing it out of choice, it is my nature.
