Discussion Post
Do we and should we only care about ourselves? In "Egoism and Moral Skepticism," James Rachels argues against psychological egoism- the empirical, descriptive claim, that all human beings are concerned only about themselves. He asserts that psychological egoism lacks empirical evidence. He also argues against ethical egoism -the normative theory that human beings OUGHT to be concerned only about themselves. Ethical egoism is a form of moral skepticism that is ultimately self-defeating and it promotes arbitrary discrimination (what makes MY interests more important than those of others?). Do you agree with Rachels's position? Can our experiences living through the pandemic help us think through psychological egoism and ethical egoism? Explain.