Psychological Egoism
Psychological egoism is the view that people inherently act in their self-interest, even when they appear to help others. In moral psychology, it suggests that our motives are ultimately driven by personal gain, whether it's pleasure, approval, or avoiding guilt. For example, someone may donate to charity not just out of kindness but also to feel good about themselves or improve their reputation. While it emphasizes self-interest in human behavior, critics argue that it overlooks genuine altruistic actions where individuals act out of concern for others without personal gain.
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Psychological egoism is the theory that suggests all human actions are motivated by self-interest, even when they appear altruistic. For instance, if someone donates to charity, they may do so to feel good about themselves or to gain social approval. This perspective argues that people inherently act in ways that promote their own well-being, whether consciously or unconsciously. While it highlights a common motivation, critics argue that it oversimplifies human behavior, as it might overlook genuine altruism or acts of kindness motivated by empathy and concern for others.