Graduation Year
2023
Date of Submission
12-2023
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Philosophy
Reader 1
Alex Rajczi
Abstract
Psychological egoism is a philosophical topic that many philosophers see as settled. Egoist’s have largely been unable to provide arguments as to why they believe all human actions are motivated by self-interest that can survive the criticisms of their opponents. Despite this seemingly widespread refutation of egoists claims, many undergraduate philosophers and non-philosophers alike, unaware of the existing philosophical literature, see an appeal and sense of plausibility in the egoist view, especially through a strand of argumentation regarding the idea of moral self-deception. In an effort to explore this claim, I will present two arguments in support of this sort of self-deception, ultimately bringing me to the conclusion that they too fall short of establishing a strong egoist argument capable of proving the lofty goal they aspire to.
Recommended Citation
Parker, William, "Moral Self-Deception and Psychological Egoism" (2023). CMC Senior Theses. 3177.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3177
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
