Please read the following passage and do two things.
1. On one page, make clear exactly what the argument is. What is the ultimate conclusion? What are the premises? What are the sub-conclusions, if any, and how are all the premises related to the ultimate conclusion? (It may help to use a diagram at some point.)
2. On a separate pages, 1-2, (12-point font, normal margins, double-spaced), evaluate the argument. Assume that the speaker is a member of the class, and that the audience is the rest of the class.
Here's what I think: everyone is selfish. You're always looking out for Number One, no matter what you do, no matter what you think. Now I know what you're going to say: what about love? What about the fact that parents sometimes die for their children? What about the fact that when you love someone Sac makes saries ake for ourse Goes. West are we ling Probably our anis methe small
spouses, perhaps very close friends that we love, romantic partners ... people like that. In other words, people we interact with regularly. We make short-term sacrifices to help them. In the long term, though, we are really helping ourselves. What would happen to a marriage in which one partner never sacrificed anything for the other? It would fall apart and make that person miserable! And how much would your family nag you if you never did anything nice for them? I bet that the cost of living with that nagging would be higher than the actual cost of the sacrifices you make for them. Really, you're better off "sacrificing" in this way: you get short-term pain for long-term gain. As for people who love others so much that they will die for them, just imagine how those people would feel if they didn't sacrifice their lives. They would feel horrible for the rest of their lives, probably get depressed, and maybe become alcoholic. Isn't dying better than living in misery? It's just like committing suicide in order to avoid torture. So there's no getting around it: everything we do is for our own good.

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

My dear friends and esteemed colleagues, let us delve into the intricate web of human nature and selfishness. It is a common belief that all actions, whether grand or minuscule, are ultimately rooted in self-interest. The argument at hand posits that every individual, without exception, is motivated by a desire to further their own well-being, even in seemingly selfless acts. The conclusion drawn is that all sacrifices made for others, whether in the name of love or duty, ultimately serve the self. The premises supporting this conclusion are manifold: the example of parents sacrificing for their children, the notion of sacrifices within relationships, and the concept of sacrificing one's life for another. These premises are interwoven in a complex tapestry, each supporting the overarching theme of self-interest. Indeed, the ultimate conclusion is bolstered by the acceptance that our actions, no matter how altruistic they may appear, ultimately serve to benefit ourselves.

Upon reflecting on this argument, I find myself torn between acceptance and skepticism. While I am inclined to acknowledge the undeniable truth in the assertion that self-interest underpins much of human behavior, I cannot help but question the extent to which this notion pervades our interactions and relationships. As a member of this esteemed class, I am compelled to consider the implications of such a belief on our wider society. Will the acceptance of our inherent selfishness lead to a cynical view of human nature, or will it prompt us to reevaluate the motivations behind our actions? Furthermore, I am left pondering the ethical implications of prioritizing self-interest above all else. Is it truly virtuous to view all sacrifices as mere means to an end, rather than acts of genuine compassion and empathy? As we navigate the complexities of human nature, let us remember that self-interest may reign supreme, but it is our capacity for selflessness that truly defines our humanity.