Psychological Egoism

Psychological Egoism Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Outline Introduction: What is psychological egoism and why should we care about it? Arguments in support of psychological egoism: not valid Arguments against psychological egoism Conclusion Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Introduction Psychological Egoism: Definition Psychological Egoism: Psychological Egoism is the view that the only thing that anyone does in fact pursue is his or her own self-interest. Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Introduction Why should we care about Psy. Ego.? Psychological Egoism is not a view on morality but a theory of psychology. Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Introduction Why should we care about Psy. Ego.? Psychological Egoism threatens the relevance of ANY theory of morality: If it is indeed the case that humans in fact always pursue their sole own interests, then there is no point in discussing what the right thing to do is! If Psychological Egoism is true, then ethics is pointless Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Introduction Why should we care about Psy. Ego.? Psychological Egoism seems to be supported by some common human behavior: 1. Good behavior only under the threat of sanction Glaucon and the ring of Gyges 2. Self-deceptive behavior is common Volunteering with the pretty girl  There is no doubt that egoistic behavior exists; the question is whether it is all there is to human behavior… Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Arguments in favor of Psychological Egoism Argument 1: “people always do what they want to do” P1 Every voluntary action is prompted by a motive of the agent’s own CC Every voluntary action is selfish Is this a valid argument? Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Arguments in favor of Psychological Egoism Argument 1 is not valid: Confusion between: - Motive coming from an agent - Motive advantageous to the agent Missing assumption: Any motive coming from an agent is advantageous to the agent  Argument 1 ends up being simply circular Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Arguments in favor of Psychological Egoism Argument 2: “people always take pleasure when they get what they want” P1 When people get what they wants, they feel pleasure CC The only thing that people pursue is their own pleasure Is this a valid argument? Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Arguments in favor of Psychological Egoism Argument 2 is not valid: Confusion between • By-product of an action • Motive of the action • Example: you, your little girl and the ER Missing assumption: If an action always has for consequence X, then X is the sole object of the action.  Obviously false! Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Two arguments supposed to support Psychological Egoism: - “people always do what they want to do” - “people always take pleasure when they get what they want” Conclusion  Both assertions are true – almost trivial  But none entails Psychological Egoism! Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Arguments against Psychological Egoism Counter-Evidence Humans are capable of: - Genuine benevolence – altruism Ex: helping grandma - Genuine malevolence Ex: murdering Dr. George Tiller  There is strong evidence that Psychological Egoism is false Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Arguments against Psychological Egoism The problem of universal deception The theory of universal deception is untestable, and as such, unacceptable as a scientific theory:  Psychological Egoism is untestable Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Arguments against Psychological Egoism The Paradox of Hedonism Feinberg: “The way to achieve happiness is to pursue something else” - We almost never pursue pleasure for itself Ex: eating / being hungry / pleasure - It is necessary to desire something in order to get satisfaction Ex: Jones  Psychological Egoism misses an essential aspect of the pursuit of happiness Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Conclusion Three arguments against Psychological Egoism: 1. Existence of counter-evidence 2. Untestable Theory 3. The “paradox of hedonism”  Psychological Egoism is untenable Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Psychological Egoism: the view that the only thing that anyone does in fact pursue is his or her own self-interest Why should we care about it? If Psychological Egoism is true, then ethics is pointless Two arguments in favor of Psychological Egoism: both are invalid Three arguments against Psychological Egoism: Psychological Egoism is untenable Conclusion  There is no question that egoistic behavior exists, but it is not the whole story Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

Psychological Egoism