lesson 3

• THREE THEORIES THAT CENTER ON THE SELF

  • SUBJECTIVISM • PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM • ETHICAL EGOISM
• subjectivism


  recognition that the individual thinking person is at the heart of all moral valuations.
• subjectivism


  the subject is the one who is confronted with the situation and is burdened to make a decision or judgment.
• No one can tell me what is right and wrong

  means that no one can compel another to accept such value judgement if she herself does not concur with it.
• “ No one can tell me what is right and wrong”


  Problem: We had maintained an idea or opinion that was actually erroneous.
• “ No one knows my situation better than myself.”


  the person who is put in a certain situation which calls for a moral decision has knowledge of the factors that affect her situation and decision.
• “ No one knows my situation better than myself.”


  Problem: reality that many human experiences are common and that others may have something useful to suggest
• “ I am entitled to my own opinion.”


  Each person has the right to believe what she believes and has the right to express this.
• “ I am entitled to my own opinion.”


  Problem: Immunity from criticism and correction and exhibits a closemindedness
• “ It is good if I say that it is good.”


  Heart of the problem of subjectivism
• “ It is good if I say that it is good.”


  I am the subject making the valuation and uses this fact as the very basis for that valuation.
• PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM


  “ Human beings are naturally self-centered, so all our actions are always already motivated by self-interest.”
• PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM


  A descriptive theory that describes the underlying dynamic behind all human actions.
• PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM


  motivated by self-serving desire.
• PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM


  It points out that there is already an underlying basis for how one acts. The ego or self has its desires and interests and all our actions are geared toward satisfying these interests.
• ethical egoism


  It prescribes that we should make our own ends, own interests as the single overriding concern.
• ethical egoism


  We may act in a way that is beneficial to others but we should do that only if it ultimately benefit us.
• The character named Glaucon provides a powerful restatement of the case for egoism by way of the myth. (Gyges, who obtains the power to make himself invisible at will ang how he quickly use his powers for his own desire rather than any notion of justice)
• harmomy


  requires a certain ordering, a hierarchical system.
• The absence of harmony with the presence of desires could result into injustice