Morality and Self Interest
Read “Egoism and Moral Skepticism”s s by James Rachels, located in Chapter 3: Morality and Self Interest. Discuss his views and provide a valid and logical analysis and response.
Write a (3-4) page paper in which you:
1.Analyze James Rachel’s arguments regarding psychological egoism and ethical egoism.
2.Provide at least (3) examples that support the idea of moral skepticism.
3.Discuss whether or not morality is possible in light of egoism, providing a rationale and examples to support your position.
4.Include at least three (3) credible, academic references. (Do not use such open sources as Wikipedia, About, Ask.)
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
Explain the views of the main philosophers and the primary ethical concepts associated with each of the major ethical theories presented in the course. Recognize basic ethical theories, such as Divine Command Theory, Relativism, Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Social Contract Theory, Egoism, and Virtue Ethics. Demonstrate an understanding of how to examine questions and issues from diverse ethical perspectives and how these different ethical perspectives can be applied to evaluate contemporary ethical dilemmas. Demonstrate recognition of the role and function of moral arguments addressing traditional and contemporary moral issues. Present complex ethical ideas, theories, and perspectives fairly, objectively, and critically.
Answer preview
Philosophers like James Rachel have different perceptions of morality and self-interests. These philosophers have established diverse ethical perspectives that help us understand moral arguments and even assist in evaluating ethical dilemmas. Due to diverse cultures, individuals tend to have different interests, needs, purposes, and moral beliefs which they stand for. To understand why people, behave in certain ways or act, ethical theories like relativism, egoism, utilitarianism, and Kantianism would be effective. From the mentioned theories, the focus is on egoism where Rachel classifies egos into psychological and ethical egoism.
Psychological egoism and ethical egoism
According to Feinberg (2013), Psychological egoism describes individuals as selfish beings since all their actions are centered…
(950 words)