In This Essay Pojman Makes a Case Against the Kind

question 9

Multiple Choice

In this essay Pojman makes a case against the kind of ethical egoism defended by such thinkers as Thomas Hobbes and Ayn Rand. Appealing to the paradox of egoism, he distinguishes between two levels of thinking about the self. On a higher (tier 2) level, a person legitimately concerns him- or herself with prospects for his or her happiness, but, in so reflecting, he or she rationally concludes that the best way to realize happiness on an everyday (tier 1) level is to develop a strong (nonegoistic) disposition toward altruism. Limited, reciprocal altruism offers us the best chance for happiness.
-Pojman asserts that the paradox of egoism is that to reach the goal of egoism, one must

• A) give up altruism.
• B) give up egoism and become an altruist.
• C) follow both Rand and Hobbes.
• D) embrace psychological egoism.

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Definitions:

Behavior

Any overt (observable) response or activity by an organism.

Compulsive Behavior

A pattern of behavior where an individual feels compelled to perform certain actions repeatedly, often without rational motivation, to alleviate anxiety or distress.

Handwashing

The act of cleaning hands with water and soap or hand sanitizer to remove dirt, germs, and bacteria, significantly reducing the spread of diseases.

Compulsive

Relating to behavior that is driven by an irresistible urge, often against one's conscious wishes.