Ethical and Psychological Egoism Essay

At first glance the theories of ethical egoism and psychological egoism may seem to be very similar, but in fact they differ greatly with respect to their status as making prescriptive or descriptive claims. Ethical egoism is a consequentialist ethical theory that argues each individual should seek to do what is solely in his or her self-interest, and in this fashion it makes a prescriptive claim. Moseley (2006) describes it in this way: â€Å"it is always moral to promote one’s own good, and it is never moral not to promote it. † Similarly, Rand (1964) defines it with respect to selfishness: â€Å"The attack on ‘selfishness’ is an attack on man’s self-esteem; to surrender one is to surrender the other† (p. 7). Therefore, for example, when facing the moral question of whether or not to buy Fairtrade coffee, ethical egoism dictates that the individual should not necessarily think about the employees who pick the beans in Columbia, but should instead consider whether or not buying Fairtrade will give that individual a good image, improve his or her own context, etc. In its strong version, ethical egoism asserts that it is always morally correct to seek one’s own good and never moral to not seek the same, whereas the weak version argues for the former, but not the latter. In this respect, according to strong ethical egoism, I should buy Fairtrade coffee only because of how it benefits me and the thought of benefit for any other person should not even be a consideration. The weak theory, however, still insists I buy the coffee because it benefits me, but it will not necessary condemn me if I also consider the benefit my purchase may bring to Columbian workers for their own sakes. Psychological egoism, in contrast to ethical egoism, is a purely descriptive theory in that it attempts to describe the way in which humans function: it claims the â€Å"fact† that every individual’s actions are driven solely by self-interested ends. However, in this descriptive theory there lies a problematic fallacy. Once one accepts the premise of psychological egoism, namely that everything an individual does is out of concern for self-interest, it is impossible to offer any counter-examples to the theory. For example, if I am a captain of a ship and have decided my crew is planning a mutiny against me, every action that the crew does, whether hostile or simply unimportant, will be interpreted by me as supporting my mutiny hypothesis. In other words, the theory of psychological egoism is simply non-falsifiable. A further difference between ethical egoism and psychological egoism is the doctrine of motivation that undergirds each. Because psychological egoism is merely a descriptive theory, it draws its motivation from nature, or simply â€Å"the way things are†. In this respect, a philosopher like Hobbes (1651) can argue for his contract theory of the state in order to thwart the natural inclinations of humanity to kill one another. His starting assumption is that the state of nature serves as the foundation or motivation for psychological egoism. On the other hand, ethical egoism as a prescriptive theory derives its motivation from the desires of the individual to maximize his or her own self-interests. Self-interest does not mean selfishness, per se, insofar as selfishness pushes for the maximization of individual gains without consideration of others. Rather self-interest may have a communal aspect which allows for achievement of personal goods that, though directed toward the benefit of the individual, may in fact correspond with achievement of goods for others (see footnote 1). Hobbes, T. (1651) Leviathan. Forgotten Books ebook. Retrieved from http://www. forgottenbooks. org Moseley, A/ (2006) Egoism. The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from http://www. cep. utm. edu/e/egoism. htm Rand, A. (1964) The Virtue of Selfishness. New York: Signet, 1970

Through Thick and Thin essays

Through Thick and Thin essays Every noble person or Roman must have a sturdy backbone. In the play Julius Caesar by Shakespeare, Caesar is one who can be the center of attention. Caesar can be known as a man that represents honor, faithfulness, and courage all in ways towards his fellow comrades. While Caesar is on his way home, many talk about how he has defeated Pompey and how they cannot wait to grant Caesar full power. His friend Antony mentions how he feels about Caesar and how no one should fear him. Fear him not, Caesar, hes not/ dangerous, He is a noble Roman, and well given (Shakespeare 55-57). Not only does Caesar symbolize honor but faithfulness as well. Caesar had his chance to lie in many situations, but instead of just turning his back, he went out tell the truth. When his wife wanted him to stay home, he then informs his friend to tell that he will not be arriving. In the place of a lie, he tells his friend a different type of answer. The cause is in my will, I will not/ come: That is enough to sat isfy the Senate (Shakespeare 71-72). His honor and faith is true, but nothing is complete with the courage of a true warrior. As Caesar draws near death, he dies with bravery along his close friend Brutus. With strength in dying first, his last words can strongly say he will be remembered in the mind of Brutus. Et tu, Brute? (Shakespeare 77). Even though nobility comes in all shapes and sizes, a true Roman stands out like a sore thumb. Through thick and thin no body will fear this honorable man and he walks faithfully with courage with his friends by his side. ...

Words to War essays

Words to War essays In the period after the French and Indian War it had become quite clear that the agendas of England and the American colonies had become severely different. It was in this time period that England greatly increased its focus on the colonies and began to, without knowing it, test the loyalty and patience of its colonies. England began to pass tariffs and tax laws that thoroughly enraged the colonists, who thought it wrong for the empire to all of a sudden take interest in them again. It became clear, after a very short period of parliament interfering with the colonies, that colonists angry words were on their way to becoming rebellious actions. It was also clear that not all of the colonists had the same goal in mind when it came to the idea of revolution. In 1765 parliament passed the Stamp Act, which put a tax on many everyday items. The Stamp Act was an internal tax that raised the cost of the goods in a way that made the colonists have to pay for it. Up until that time the colonists had seen many external taxes imposed, they were imposed in the form of tariffs used to regulate trade in the empire, but the merchants were the ones who had to pay for it. However, this new development infuriated the colonists and set them to thinking about radical ideas. The main argument that rose out of these was that of Taxation without representation, the colonists firmly believed that the government should have complete and total consent of the governed peoples to pass such any legal acts or laws. Ben Franklin, seeing the tension that was beginning to build up within the colonists, stepped up to the plate and explained to Parliament why the colonists disgusted their decisions. Ben explained that it wasnt that the colonists minded taxation; it was that they didnt like internal taxation. As good as he tried his words were a complete misrepresentation of what the colonists really felt. It was ...

It is necessary for large listed companies in different countries to Assignment

It is necessary for large listed companies in different countries to prepare financial statements using uniform accounting stand - Assignment Example Financial accounting and managerial accounting deal with the preparation of accounting reports that provide information for decision making. Financial accounting deals with the preparation of financial statements such as the balance sheets and the profit and loss accounts. These are disclosed to both internal and external users. The internal users include the management and employees. Management accounting deals with the preparation of accounts that are used internally by management for decision making. Financial accounting statements are subject to the scrutiny of outsiders; potential investors, financial institutions and economic analysts compared to managerial accounts that are used internally by management (Ramanna & Sletten, 2009). Financial accounts provide information on the financial position and position of the business whereas management accounts provide information for planning, budgets and controls for management decision making. This explains why financial accounts need to follow certain standards compared to managerial accounts. Due to globalization, countries need to speak the same language internationally so that the accounts produced can be understood and improve investor confidence regardless of the country concerned. This paper sets out to explain what IFRS is, the arguments for and against using uniform accounting standards in the preparation of financial statements and the flexibility of the preparation of management accounting reports (Caroline, 2010). History of International Financial Reporting Standards The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) was formed to promote the adoption of the IFRS so that there is worldwide consistency in financial reporting regardless of where the organization was located. The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) was formed in 1973 to prepare standards that would be used by smaller nations in creating their own internal accounting standards. This was succeeded by the IASB in 2001. GAA P is an appropriate tool for financial reporting where organizations operate within a country’s borders with reason. With globalization a company may find it difficult to compare its financial statements using its GAAP without violating the GAAP of another. IFRS were developed due to the growth of global markets and the desire by multinationals and organizations to have one common set of financial statements that can be understood internationally. The IASB was mandated to develop high quality accounting standards that would reduce the cost of doing business, increase efficiency and provide information for potential investors. Currently, there are over 100 countries that have adopted the IFRS. There are many countries that are in the process of replacing the local standards with IFRS such as the US (Armstrong, Barth, Jagolinzer, & Riedl, 2010). Benefits of International Financial Reporting Standards There is greater comparability of financial statements. Companies from differe nt countries can easily compare their accounts. Using different rules in the preparation would not be possible and good for investment. The statements can be compared in all the financial markets irrelevant of where they were prepared. Financial statements prepared using IFRS are more flexible as they are principle based compared to local accounting stan

Consumer Behavior Final Campaign Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Consumer Behavior Final Campaign - Essay Example Because of this particular target market, Samsungs product offering to these individuals is necessarily high tech, cutting-edge, sleek, attractive, and expensive. By means of contrast in comparison, the target market that exists within lesser developed regions of the world, namely South America, many parts of Africa, and regions of Asia, is significantly different. Utilitarianism and functionality is the main concern that this target market represents. Beyond this, durability and low cost are other metrics that are highly appreciated within the aforementioned – lower income regions of the globe. Because of this, Samsungs target market within these areas is specifically predicated upon a larger segment of society; one that represents youth as well as individuals of a more advanced age. Similarly, as the income gap is far wider within these particular regions, and for individuals make up a statistically larger percentage of the overall population, the target market is specifical ly directed towards those that are not able to afford the more high-end and technologically advanced product offerings that Samsung is otherwise known. As a result of this fact, the product, as well as the target market, it is differentiated as compared what has already been discussed.

Brief #5 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Brief #5 - Assignment Example According to the court, "[T]he prohibition of compelling a man in a criminal court to be witness against himself is a prohibition of the use of physical or moral compulsion to extort communications from him, not an exclusion of his body as evidence when it may be material†. While accessing the privilege under Fourteenth Amendment, the court also judged the withdrawal of petitioner’s blood against â€Å"the right of a person to remain silent unless he chooses to speak in the unfettered exercise of his own will, and to suffer no penalty†¦.for such silence†. The petitioner was driving with his companion and because of being intoxicated, he struck a tree due to which, he and his companion got injured. While having being treated for the injuries at the hospital, he was arrested on account of intoxication while driving. His blood sample for the test of intoxication was extracted against his will with the help of a physician because the officer found him drunk. The search and seizure was not unreasonable. The petitioner was informed about his right to get an attorney’s counsel, but blood sample was taken against his will. According to the petitioner, his rights under the Fourteenth Amendment, Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment and Sixth Amendment were violated due to which, the evidence of his blood sample should be rejected. However, the Appellate Department of California Superior court affirmed the conviction and rejected his contentions. According to the court, there is no ‘compelling communication’ or ‘testimony ’ that violate the petitioner’s rights and any compulsion with the support of which, ‘real or physical evidence’ is obtained about a suspect, is not a violation of privileges. The cases applicable here are Malloy v. Hogan, Holt v. United States (1910) and Miranda v. Arizona (1966). The Los Angeles Municipal Court of the Criminal offense decided that Schmerber was guilty of intoxicated driving

A Life Lesson from My Grandma Essay Example for Free

A Life Lesson from My Grandma Essay The tears rolled down profusely as I held the telephone receiver in my hand. My aunt was still on the other end, demanding that I immediately rush over to Grandma Mary’s house. At this instant, my gut instinct responded by tightening up indicating that something was definitely wrong. And it was only then; memories of her youthful days flashed across my mind, reminding me of her mantra, â€Å"You must never allow anyone to steal your joy†. And it appeared as if she was standing right beside me, but I knew it was just a fragment of my imagination. I confirmed there and then to myself, I recognized now that I had lost someone, but I would have something with me for life, the value of unconditional love my grandma often displayed amongst her family and her neighbors by extension, and she would always reiterate how much she wanted it to live on. Granny Mary was like a female Goliath. Blessed with a dark chocolate skin tone, moles and wrinkles canvassed her face which we often referred to as the storylines of her life. But the positivity she gave off could connect a grounded wire on a cold winter night. How she did it, she alone knew. I remember her making ends meet, and providing food for her family after two failed marriages. As the other half of her twin, Uncle John would pay his sister to do his laundry, cook his food and maintain the downstairs of the home which he occupied. And yes, pretty amazing how this money brought up six kids and assisted my sister and I as the two first grandchildren in the family. Not only did she raise her grand kids, but the entire neighborhood’s children were taken care of by â€Å"Aunty Mary† also, a name she would always be remembered by. I can still recall how many days the neighbor’s kids will come without food or clothes, but when they left, their tummies were filled, and late evening shower already taken. We would all surround granny as she read a bible story and explained the role of each person mentioned in the  bible. It was as if her joy was ensuring that all children were always happy and knew the value of love. And yes, this stood out most, because to this day, I share the same sentiments when dealing with my daughter and my niece, or all children I interact with on a daily basis. To this day, I could count the number of times I saw a toothy smile on her almost daunting face, after that late December afternoon when the hospital called to say my Uncle Brian passed away after being involved in a motor vehicular accident on the Solomon Hochoy Highway. She continued to emphasize that we were totally in control of our own happiness, and we should live life to the fullest always displaying love and making sure all is well with our soul as we never know when the good Lord will call us home. I remembered her kneeling to pray with her every night before we go to bed. She embedded that prayer was the answer to every problem you can ever encounter in this life and happiness is within one’s self. Grandma Mary would often have us assist her when she picked peas or fed the chickens in the backyard. We watched the chickens developed from baby chicks to mealtime. And yes, we’d joke about it when it was time to catch them to have grandma prepare some great soul f ood for us. In April 2012, I was able to display the said qualities Grandma Mary embedded in us. I gave birth to a still born baby boy, and all I saw after giving birth, was my grand-mother’s face. How she’d often say God is ever to wise to make a mistake, and God sees what we don’t. Although I didn’t want to hear that at that time of grief, I clearly remembered dreaming her one night, giving me confirmation that all would be well, and continue to love and have faith in God. And as I thought about her the morning after I was discharged from the hospital, I made hot cocoa, and the aroma took me back to twenty years ago when my grandmother was alive. We’d wake up to the aroma of hot cocoa and her favorite Jim Reeve would be blasting through the house, â€Å"If heaven’s not my home, then Lord what will I do?† And it was as if she strengthened me to look forward and not regret. I remembered her mantra, and I did not allow the death of my son to steal my joy. I still had my daughter to brighten up my days, and prayers assisted me in trusting and believing that God had better plans for me. As an individual, I can associate part of my grandmother’s journey to that of mine. No mother comes on this earth with the intentions of having to bury their own child, but all in all, life has to go on. And not just go on, but I am in control of my own joy. The qualities she left us with have continued to reign throughout my family, and every time I sit to tell a story about Grandma Mary, I can safely associate her with love, faith and God. The aroma of hot cocoa today brings a smile on my face, and each time I hear a Jim Reeve play, I’ll see her wrinkled face. There is no greater joy in having a loved one live on although they are no longer with us in body. I am one hundred percent guaranteed she is indeed happy with the positive value we continue to display. And the deep voice ringing through my head, â€Å"You must never allow anyone to steal your joy†.