The Virtue of Selfishness

Act Utilitarianism determines a morally right act as the one that produces “the greatest overall utility in its consequences.” (EC, p. 111) In Case 1 (EC, p. 124), it could be argued that Act Utilitarianism would support an individual purchasing a hybrid car due to the overall utility of the consequence outweighing the disutility. However, Act Utilitarianism has weaknesses to accompany its strengths when assessing whether an act is morally right or wrong. One problem of Act Utilitarianism, shown

This can, however, be more than just a literary device used to enhance the plot line to a thriller. It exists within humanity, and though different people will have a different opinion about what causes a trait to be inadequate and a fatal flaw, selfishness is a tragic flaw which exists throughout the population. This needs to be specifically addressed through the teachings and the guidance of Buddhism. If this is done properly, then it will negate the suffering that occurs within humanity until

highest good or happiness translates into activities of the soul, mainly the exercising of virtuous traits such as moderation and temperance. Kant on the other hand believes that although one may act well in accordance with virtue, without the presence of a good will the same virtue that is typically perceived as beneficial, can be as dangerous and evil as it is good. With courage, temperance, and wisdom one can live a life according to their moral duty or to the same extent cause misfortune if their

contrast, Senator Holt's decision to look past his original mistake and endorse William H. Pitsenbarger's Medal of Honor nomination is ethical since he is giving fair and impartial treatment to Pitsenbarger, despite being an enlisted soldier, and by virtue of ethics due to his honesty and courage to tell the truth despite possible undesirable political repercussions. When analyzing Stanton's actions to blackmail Huffman from the Army Ethic and Care Ethic Lens', Stanton's actions are highly unethical

Christina H. Sommers describes ethics and its misperceived conception in the education system through her article Teaching the Virtues . Morality is defined through two concepts, social and self. Social morality is based on the social values and agreements set among the people. On the contrary, private morality originates from within us and is an example of decency, honesty, honor, etc. The education system lacks to discipline students on both aspects of ethics. One of examples given was a significant

Countries all around the world have different customs and beliefs and primarily have different types of governments. The United States is the home of free enterprise and domestic tranquility with the type of democracy it has set up to allow it’s citizens to roam the streets in peace and not have to worry about their civil duties to be taken advantage of; other countries like the Republic of China have a political system completely opposite of the one established and adapted by the United States.

Intro: What is human nature? Recently I heard the story of Edd, a man who begin therapy after being found on a kitchen floor with a knife, several vicious wounds, and no knowledge of how he got there. In his first therapy session the therapist asked about family and medical history, and finally life events leading up to the “kitchen incident,” as Edd termed it. After Edd filled him in on his struggle with depression and suicide and explained the “kitchen incident,” The therapist exclaimed, “You’re

Tocqueville noted that private interest and personal gain motivated the actions of most Americans, which in turn cultivated a strong sense of individualism. Tocqueville believed that this individualism would soon "sap the virtue of public life" (395) and create a despotism of selfishness. This growth of despotism would be created by citizens becoming too individualistic, and therefore not bothering to fulfill their civic duties or exercise their freedom. Tocqueville feared that the political order of

extreme. Dr. Kemp, on the contrary, acts for the greater good of humanity with wisdom and jurisprudence. The story of The Invisible Man displays the self-destructive or triumphant outcomes of acting on their respective ethical principles. One man’s virtues vs. the other man’s vices. It is quite apparent that Dr. Kemp is very wise. His wisdom allows him to navigate a difficult situation as skillfully as a brain surgeon. Kemp becomes slightly aware of Griffin’s destructive behavior, "He is invisible

230). The vampire bite transformed Lucy into a person that no one would have imagined she would be. Along with that, there is an example to tell how Lucy’s behavior becomes strange. Moreover, Count Dracula takes the innocent young and with his selfishness, ruins them forever. After being bitten and some time has passed, Lucy, is able to move again; “I feel so happy to-night. I have been so miserably weak, that to be able to think and move about is like feeling sunshine after a long spell of east