Psychological Egoism Theory Essay - 2108 Words

The theory of psychological egoism is indeed plausible. The meaning of plausible in the context of this paper refers to the validity or the conceivability of the theory in question, to explain the nature and motivation of human behavior (Hinman, 2007). Human actions are motivated by the satisfaction obtained after completing a task that they are involved in. For example, Mother Teresa was satisfied by her benevolent actions and activities that she spent her life doing. As Hinman (2007) points out, she was likely to reduce in activity if she experienced any dissatisfaction in her endeavors. Therefore, no matter how much altruism theorists try to argue about the degree of inclination of an action towards non self-interest,†¦show more content†¦In his argument, Hinman (2007) asserts that every action that people engage in is motivated by self-interests or pleasure or direct benefits the agent or to avoid living with guilt in the future. This is the nature of human beings. Even the most altruistic action is in actual sense motivated by the egocentric desire of the actor (Hugh, 1898). Hugh (1898) further argues that people recognize that they are motivated, in most if not all cases by their need to advance their self-interest. However, when they reflect on this issue, they are mistaken by the urge to believe that the truth is the centrally of this. Actions that are meant to show concern for other people, such as helping the needy are self-satisfying to the actor, and they expect that they will their reputation in the society and obtain returned favors. A good example is that of political aspirant who might engage in a lot of philanthropic activities in his community to win the support of his constituents. Helping people is a noble thing to do especially when it comes to the application of natural justice, where human beings help those who are suffering. There is always a hidden intention in every action that is obscured by the notion of philanthropy. Returned favors expectation might not be the ultimate intention as to why people may perform an act (Michael, 1978). However, it will be illogical to say that these intentions wereShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Psychological And Ethical Egoism959 Words   |  4 PagesWhen looking at the ideas of egoisms, two major views come out in the form of psychological and ethical egoism. While both of the views hinge on the idea that everybody acts in their own self-interest, the major separator is that ethical egoist views their pursuit of their personal gain morally right (106), even if they have to kill or steal for it, compared to the psychosocial egoist who just state that the only thing that motivates humans is their self-interest while the mo ral standings stay theRead MoreThe Theory Of Psychological Egoism And Ethical Egoism Essay1039 Words   |  5 PagesJames Rachels introduces in his written works, Egoism and Moral Skepticism, two different theories of human nature: psychological egoism and ethical egoism. The theory of psychological egoism refers to the view that all human actions are self-centered. On the other hand, the theory of ethical egoism is the idea that we are not obligated to do anything other than what is in our interest. Most individuals would consistently believe in ethical egoism because most generally care about the well-beingRead MorePsychological Theories Of Psychological Egoism1191 Words   |  5 Pagesegoistically driven? This dissertation will take a closer look at these questions while exploring the views of psychological egotism and what its supporters believe drives us to act in certain ways. Although psychological egoism has not been attributed to many philosophers, it brings forth an inte resting debatable point of view of human behavior. While psychological egoism is unquestionably a perceived theory, there hasn’t always been a substantial amount of experimental data that relates to the debate. HoweverRead MoreEgoism, Psychological And Ethical, And Altruism1141 Words   |  5 Pagesquestions bring to the surface the topics of egoism, psychological and ethical, and altruism. Egoism in general means that people think of their own advantage. 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Thus, his apparent endorsement of Hobbesian psychological egoism created problems in understanding his moral theory since psychologi cal egoism rules out acting to promote the overall well-being when that it is incompatible with one’s own. For the psychological egoist, that is not even a possibility. So, given ‘ought to imply can’ it would follow that we are not obligatedRead MorePsychological Egoism662 Words   |  3 PagesPsychological egoism is the view that everyone always acts selfishly. It describes human nature as being wholly self-centered and self-motivated. Psychological egoism is different from ethical egoism in their â€Å"direction of fit† to the world. Psychological ego-ism is a factual theory. It aims to fit the world. In the world is not how psychological ego-ism says it is because someone acts unselfishly, then something is wrong with psycho-logical egoism. 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It is contrasted with altruism, which is the view that ones actions ought to further the interests or good of other people, ideally to the exclusion of ones own interests (Pojman 272). This essay will explain the relation between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. It will examine how someone who believes in psychological