What Philosophy Is

Egoism

As you read the material for the next class, keep the questions below in mind. To answer these questions you will have to reflect critically on what you have read and possibly re-read important passages. Keep in mind that there are two basic kinds of information that you need to look for in the readings.

  1. What are the main points or conclusions that an author accepts with respect to a particular issue?
  2. What are the reasons or important considerations that lead the author to accept that conclusion?

For our purposes, it is information of the latter sort (2) that will be our primary concern since our most basic task is to evaluate the reasons that are offered to support accepting one possible conclusion about an issue, rather than another.

Although I strongly suggest that you write out brief answers to these questions, you do not have to turn in written responses. You do, however, need to be prepared to speak intelligently to these issues in the next class meeting. Also, it is reasonable to assume that the final exam’s questions will be drawn from these questions—particularly those in bold.

Readings:

  • Plato, Republic (handout).
  • Ayn Rand, “Value Yourself” (handout).
  • James Rachels, “Egoism and Moral Skepticism” from Stephen M. Cahn (ed.), Philosophy for the 21st Century, pp. 603-609.

Questions:

  1. What is the logical relationship between psychological and ethical egoism? That is, are they (a) both essentially the same position; or (b) different positions, but if one position is correct or true, then it supports the other position; or (c) different positions, but if one position is correct or true, then it undermines support of the other position; or (d) none of these? Which position(s) does Glaucon illustrate? Which position(s) does Rand defend?
  2. According to Glaucon, most people do not believe justice has intrinsic value. Rather justice “is to be practiced for the sake of the rewards and popularity that come from a reputation of justice”. How is the story of the Ring of Gyges supposed to demonstrate the point?
  3. Ayn Rand claims that you must “ accept the fact that the achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life”. What is her argument justifying this claim?
  4. What arguments does James Rachels present in order to reject psychological egoism? What are those he has against ethical egoism?
  5. Given that they reach different conclusions, “most people” (those mentioned by Glaucon), Rand, and Rachels cannot all be right. Where exactly in their respective arguments do they disagree? Which position is supported by the strongest and most compelling argument?

 

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