WEEK 3: EGOISM, UTILITARIANISM, AND COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS Preparation: At the beginning of class students will need to submit a one-page summary of the following readings: Hoffman, D. (2004) ‘The Ford Pinto’, in Gini, A. (ed.) Case Studies in Business Ethics (5th edn.), Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, pp. 222 - 228. Kelman, S. ‘Cost-Benefit Analysis: An Ethical Critique’ and Leonard, H. & Zeckhauser, R. ‘Cost-Benefit Analysis Defended’ in Hoffman et al. (2001) Business Ethics:
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Task 1 Ethical Theories For the task at hand we are to identify and describe the theories of Ethical and Psychological Egoism. First let us look at Ethical egoism, this theory is based on the idea that each individual should do what is entirely in his or her self-interest. A description of this type of egoism is, if you are doing things that are only in your best interest to do, you have achieved morality. Secondly we have the theory of Psychological Egoism a theory that is based
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Egoism By Jenny Taylor Philosophy P120 October 30, 2011 Egoism is “The moral view that everyone ought always to do those acts that will best serve his or her own best self-interest.” (Pojman & Fieser page87) It is contrasted with altruism, “an unselfish regard of concern for others”. This essay will explain the relation between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. It will examine how someone who believes in psychological egoism explains the apparent instances of altruism. It
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PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOSIM & ETHICAL EGOISM There are many different ways to interpret psychological egoism and ethical egoism. Both of this theories have been studied, both have people supporting them as well as rejecting them. Psychological egoism states that whatever you do is for the soul purpose of self-gain no matter what the cost. Ethical egoism in definition is you doing things with the purpose of self-gain but not going farther than the social moral standard to accomplish
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Categorizing altruistic desires as authentic and individualistic desires as ones that are solely promoted by a current economic system ignores the dualistic nature of human beings. The reality is that we share both humanitarian and self-serving inclinations, and the dynamic interplay between the two is essential for a life of awareness. We are free because of the ability to choose in and of itself, not because of what it is we choose to engage in. Odonians, ignoring the darker half of human nature
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The word ego is often misinterpreted to have a negative connotation but for Prometheus having ego is a sacred opportunity. In Anthem by Ayn Rand Prometheus discovers his individuality in a strictly collectivist society by becoming a creator to his own idea of society/culture/civilization that embraces the selfishness and ego found in people. To Prometheus, being an egoist is to positively pursue the ideas he believes are right for society, for himself and his happiness. Being an egoist is something
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needing the pacemakers installed. Actionable Alternatives Alternative 1 The first alternative from an ethical egoism perspective is to increase price, as an only supplier the company can act as a monopolist, continue with the supply of the transistors. As well as to renegotiate an agreement that would remove any liability for faulty mechanisms other than the transistors for pacemakers. As an ethical egoist the company will look to better their position and act in their own best interest therefore to
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1. Psychological Egoism All forms of egoism require explication of “self-interest” (or “welfare” or “well-being”). There are two main theories. Preference or desire accounts identify self-interest with the satisfaction of one's desires. Often, and most plausibly, these desires are restricted to self-regarding desires. What makes a desire self-regarding is controversial, but there are clear cases and counter-cases: a desire for my own pleasure is self-regarding; a desire for the welfare of others
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Psychological 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 “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. In my opinion this argument is completely wrong
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Almost every human experiences internal battles between egotistical and benevolent thoughts. The rest of society has a hard time perceiving such conflicts until they becomes externalized. When the feelings or views come to surface, in many cases, the self-seeking, narcissistic side displays through more frequently. Often, if an individual relishes in the particular behavior, then he or she can, in some ways, become detached from a humble and moral life. Because Tessie Hutchinson in Shirley Jackson’s
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