1 Psychological Egoism Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

2Outline Introduction: What is psychological egoism and why should we care about it? Arguments in support of psychological egoism: not valid Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana Arguments against psychological egoism Conclusion

3Outline Introduction: What is psychological egoism and why should we care about it? Arguments in support of psychological egoism: not valid Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana Arguments against psychological egoism Conclusion

4Introduction 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

5Introduction Why should we care about Psy. Ego.? Psychological Egoism is not a view on morality but a theory of psychology. Psychological EgoismEthical Egoism PsychologyEthics Theory about what human behavior ACTUALLY IS Theory about what human behavior OUGHT TO BE Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

6Introduction 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

7Introduction Why should we care about Psy. Ego.? 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 Psychological Egoism seems to be supported by some common human behavior:

8Outline Introduction: What is psychological egoism and why should we care about it? Arguments in support of psychological egoism: not valid Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana Arguments against psychological egoism Conclusion

9 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

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

11 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

12 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  Obviously false! Missing assumption: If an action always has for consequence X, then X is the sole object of the action. Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana

13Conclusion 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” 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” Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana  Both assertions are true – almost trivial  But none entails Psychological Egoism!  Both assertions are true – almost trivial  But none entails Psychological Egoism!

14Outline Introduction: What is psychological egoism and why should we care about it? Arguments in support of psychological egoism: not valid Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana Arguments against psychological egoism Conclusion

15 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

16 Arguments against Psychological Egoism The problem of universal deception  Psychological Egoism is untestable Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana The theory of universal deception is untestable, and as such, unacceptable as a scientific theory: TheoryPsychological Egoism Mental Hospital Theory Moussaka Theory Counter- Evidence Saint / MurdererJohn and his healthy lifestyle Microscopic observation of matter Answer AConcealing motives Concealing mental illness Concealed moussaka Answer BTheory Revision!Theory revision!

17 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

18Conclusion Three arguments against Psychological Egoism: 1. Existence of counter-evidence 2. Untestable Theory 3. The “paradox of hedonism” Three arguments against Psychological Egoism: 1. Existence of counter-evidence 2. Untestable Theory 3. The “paradox of hedonism” Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana  Psychological Egoism is untenable

19Outline Introduction: What is psychological egoism and why should we care about it? Arguments in support of psychological egoism: not valid Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana Arguments against psychological egoism Conclusion

20Conclusion 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 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 Soazig Le Bihan -- University of Montana  There is no question that egoistic behavior exists, but it is not the whole story