Psychological Egoism Quiz

What is the main question addressed by the descriptive theory of Psychological Egoism?

• Are all moral actions motivated by self-interest?

• Should we act in our own self-interest?

• Is self-interest always beneficial?

• Can self-interest lead to negative outcomes?

According to James Rachels, what is the ultimate goal of actions, whether self-interested or selfless?

• To achieve pleasure for the self

• To benefit others

• To fulfill a sense of duty

• To gain social approval

What example does Rachels use to illustrate the essence of selfishness?

• Abraham Lincoln helping piglets

• A person donating to charity

• A religious person seeking divine rewards

• Someone avoiding negative feelings

How does religious morality relate to self-interest according to the text?

• It promises divine rewards for moral actions

• It discourages self-interested actions

• It promotes altruism over self-interest

• It ignores individual long-term self-interest

What does the text suggest about actions that do not benefit the individual?

• They are always motivated by self-interest

• They can be done out of a sense of duty

• They are fundamentally altruistic

• They are always harmful in the long term

What does Psychological Egoism assume about moral actions?

• A) They are motivated by altruism.

• B) They are motivated by self-interest.

• C) They are motivated by obligation.

• D) They are motivated by happiness.

According to the text, what can make an action selfless?

• A) Acting out of obligation.

• B) Acting for personal gain.

• C) Acting to help someone else, even at personal risk.

• D) Acting to gain pleasure.

What does Rachels argue about actions that appear altruistic?

• A) They are always selfish.

• B) They cannot be considered altruistic.

• C) They are motivated by self-interest.

• D) They can be selfless if they risk personal well-being.

What does Hume argue about self-love and concern for others?

• A) They are the same.

• B) They are completely different.

• C) They are motivated by obligation.

• D) They are motivated by pleasure.

What does the text suggest about the relationship between self-interest and moral obligation?

• They can sometimes conflict.

• They are always aligned.

• They are identical concepts.

• They are completely unrelated.