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Imagine you're at a friend's party, standing in the kitchen, and a debate unfolds in your mind as famous philosophers offer their counsel. Should you grab the last cupcake for yourself, or should you consider the well-being of others? This seemingly trivial scenario triggers a profound inquiry: Are humans inherently selfish?
Philosophers like John Stuart Mill and Aristotle whisper advice, suggesting we should seek the greatest happiness for the greatest number and embody virtues of generosity and justice. Yet, Thomas Hobbes counters with the claim that all voluntary acts serve one's self-interest, introducing the age-old question of human nature.
Psychological egoism posits that humans act solely out of self-interest. However, this theory falls short when considering the countless instances of self-sacrifice for the sake of others. Even young children exhibit altruistic behavior without any personal gain, challenging the notion of inherent selfishness.
Immanuel Kant and Jean-Jacques Rousseau offer a nuanced perspective. While Kant suggests that our actions might be motivated by a "secret impulse of self-love," Rousseau differentiates between "Amour de soi," the natural need for self-preservation, and "amour propre," the toxic desire for recognition and status. This duality introduces the idea that self-love isn't always negative and that true self-love involves overcoming自私 tendencies.
Philosophers like Kant propose that our moral duty elevates us above self-interest, while Rousseau and Adam Smith believe emotions like pity and sympathy play a crucial role in considering others' needs. Iris Murdoch, however, presents a unique solution: love.
Murdoch's concept of love transcends the simple act of taking the last cupcake. It's about seeing the world beyond oneself, challenging the narrative that everyone else is secondary. She illustrates this through the story of a mother-in-law who, with conscious effort, learns to appreciate her daughter-in-law for who she truly is, not as a caricature of her insecurities.
Murdoch argues that love is the "extremely difficult realization that something other than oneself is real." This realization can be achieved through practices that direct attention beyond the self, such as engaging with art, learning languages, or observing nature.
In conclusion, the cupcake dilemma in the kitchen at a friend's party is a microcosm of the broader debate on human nature. By cultivating attention and embracing love, we can transcend our selfishness and appreciate the world and others for who they truly are. So, the next time you face a choice between self-interest and the well-being of others, consider the wisdom of these philosophers and the profound impact of love on our actions and perspectives.
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