In This Essay Pojman Makes a Case Against the Kind

question 11

True/False

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.
-Ethical egoism requires you to avoid actions that help others.

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Definitions:

Greenback

A term historically used to refer to paper money issued by the United States during the Civil War.

Civil War-Era

A period surrounding the American Civil War (1861–1865), characterized by significant political, social, and military upheavals in the United States.

Paper Money

Currency in the form of banknotes, which has no intrinsic value but is used as a medium of exchange, authorized and supported by a government.

King Cotton Diplomacy

An attempt during the Civil War by the South to encourage British intervention by banning cotton exports.