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The University of Southampton
PhilosophyPart of Humanities

Are We Selfish? - Predominant egoism

This view is sometimes known as predominant egoism, the view that our behavior is mostly, but not wholly, self-interested.

The 20th Century philosopher Gregory Kavka presents this as the best version of Hobbes’ view. Against such a view, we might worry that once we allow that altruistic behavior is at all possible, it seems attractive to understand a lot of human behavior in that light: think of small acts of apparent kindness such as holding a door open for a stranger, or smiling when you see a friend.

In light of this worry, do you want to change your mind and reject egoism entirely?

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