Psychological Egoism Theory

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, the two can never be separated (Hinman, 2007). That is the nature of human behavior that we are all motivated by self interest in any action that we undertake. Hugh (1898) observed that altruism actions are a disguised form of self seeking pleasure nature of human beings. This paper will explore the points that support the theory this theory with expounded explanation that approve the plausibility of psychological egoism theory. It will also look at the old ideas and compare them with the modern ones. This essay will further discuss the psychological egoism theory is descriptive that carries the doctrine that weak side of psychological egoism to enhance objectivity.

Psychological egoism theory is descriptive in nature. It carries the doctrine that every action that is performed by a person has self-interests in it. This is the nature of human beings has a motive that serves the welfare of the agent. People keep their motives hidden from others to serve their interest of maintaining a go...

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...hey need. Egoism and morality work hand in hand and people can be trained to conform to certain rules that will give them more pleasure. However, egoism theory is deficient in some way in that it is ambiguous on some issues.

References

Hinman, L. M. (2007). Ethics a Plurastic Approach, 4th edition. New York: Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Hugh, L. (1988). The Truth in Psychological Egoism: Reason and Responsibility. New York : Wadsworth.

Michael, S. (1978). Empirical Basis for Psychological Egoism Brainstorms. California: Bradford. p72-3.

John, R. (1971). The Circumstances of Justice: Egoism in Context. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Smith, C.M. (1898). Psychological and Political Ethics. New York: Hafner Press.

Feinberg, J. (1998). Psychological Egoism in Ethics: History, Theory, and Contemporary Issues. Oxford: Oxford University Press.