Question

If psychological egoism is true, then why can't it be our duty to be altruistic?

A. Because psychological egoism says that acting altruistically doesn't make us better off


B. Because then altruism would be impossible and we aren't morally required to do the impossible


C. Because according to psychological egoism, an act is right just in case it is self-interested


D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct answer is letter B.

Explanation: Psychological Egoism is a descriptive theory of our behavior in that it tells us that human behavior is always motivated by the satisfaction of our own interests.

To the defenders of psychological egoism, we are all selfish because, given the natural disposition of our behavior, whenever we act we seek to satisfy our interests.

It calls into question every altruistic act itself human. So it makes no sense to say that there are altruistic acts, because for him, human behavior is naturally motivated by the realization of our personal interests.