Rational Egoism: A Selective and Critical HistoryThe position of rational egoism centres upon the thought that the rational thing to do must be to pursue one's own self-interest. Focusing on the work of Hobbes and Sidgwick, this book is an extensive history and evaluation of rational egoism. They are, after the ancients, the foremost exponents of rational egoism. He also considers other figures - Grotius, Samuel Clarke, John Clarke, Butler, Hume, Reid, Kant, Paley and Bentham - and a related position: the instrumental theory of rationality. Robert Shaver's conclusion is that none of the arguments for rational egoism or the instrumental theory are cogent. This is an important book not just for historians of philosophy but for all readers in philosophy or the social sciences interested in theories of morality and rationality. |
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agent agree agreement animal principles appeal arbitrary argue argument for rational axiom beliefs Bentham Brink Butler categorical imperatives claim common common-sense morality compromise theory conflict conscience consider Darwall David Gauthier defence Deontology desires distinction passage duty egoism and utilitarianism Enquiry Concerning Morals Ethics example explain favour give Grotius Hampton happiness highest certainty Hobbes Hobbes's hold Hume Hume's Humean hypothetical imperative Ibid individual instrumental theory interest interpretation intuition irrelevance judgements justice justified Kant Kavka laws of nature Mackie maximising ment moral theory motivation normative notes objection obligation one's Parfit passion personal identity Peter Singer Philosophy point of view position practical reason prudence psychological egoism R. M. Hare rational action rational egoism rationale Reasons and Persons Reid reject reply requires sacrifice Samuel Clarke Schneewind self-evident propositions self-interest self-love sense Sidg simply Stephen Darwall suggests Suppose tests Thomas Nagel tion Treatise veto egoism whole