Question 1

Stoicism, egoism and hedonism today:

Accepted Answer

While these philosophical schools of thought still exist and are studied, they have little support among modern moral philosophers. Stoicism and egoism have been criticized for their lack of empathy and concern for others, while hedonism is often seen as incompatible with modern values of self-restraint and virtues such as mindfulness and discipline. Kantian ethics, on the other hand, places a strong emphasis on duty and the moral worth of actions, rather than personal pleasure or self-interest.

Question 2

Stoicism shares the concern of with individual character because it argues that developing the appropriate stoic frame of mind will lead us to virtue.

Accepted Answer

Stoicism, like virtue ethics, emphasizes the development of personal character and virtues as the path to a good life. Both focus on cultivating virtues to achieve moral excellence.

Question 3

The first step in an ethical egoism evaluation of an ethical dilemma is the question:

Accepted Answer

The first step in an ethical egoism evaluation is to determine what act or option would most benefit oneself. Ethical egoism asserts that individuals should prioritize their own interests above all others, so the evaluation must begin with the question of self-interest.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a criticism of ethical egoism?

Accepted Answer

Ethical egoism is not criticized for being outdated or only applicable to ancient societies. The other options are common criticisms of ethical egoism.

Question 5

The famous political philosopher Thomas Hobbs argued against psychological egoism.

Accepted Answer

Thomas Hobbes is actually known for his views that align with psychological egoism, arguing that all human actions are motivated by self-interest.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT part of the consideration understaken by egoists when facing an ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Egoists focus on actions that benefit themselves, not on what is best for the majority, which is a utilitarian perspective.

Question 7

If a particular act would benefit our own self-interest as well as the interests of others, that act will not be considered contrary to the goals of ethical egoism.

Accepted Answer

Ethical egoism allows for actions that benefit both oneself and others, so long as the primary motivation behind the action is still self-interest.

Question 8

If a particular act would benefit our own as well as those of others, that act will not be considered contrary to the goals of ethical egoism.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a particular act would benefit our...

Question 9

What claims that promoting one's own greatest good is always to act in accordance with reason and morality?

Accepted Answer

Ethical egoism is the normative theory that the promotion of one's own greatest good is always in accordance with reason and morality.

Question 10

Whereas psychological egoism is a theory about how people actual behave, ethical egoism is a theory about:

Accepted Answer

Ethical egoism is a normative theory that prescribes how individuals ought to behave, suggesting that individuals should act in their own self-interest.

Question 11

Both stoics and hedonists would agree that one cannot become just or courageous if one behaves in an unjust or cowardly manner.

Accepted Answer

Both stoics and hedonists believe in the importance of virtuous behavior and acknowledge that one cannot become just or courageous if one consistently behaves in an unjust or cowardly manner.

Question 12

Stoics believe in predestination.

Accepted Answer

Stoics believe in the concept of fate or determinism, which holds that events are predetermined and inevitable. Therefore, they believe in predestination.

Question 13

Ayn Rand argued that is a destructive idea, devaluing the individual.

Accepted Answer

Ayn Rand argued that altruism is a destructive idea because it devalues the individual by placing the needs of others above one's own, which she believed undermines personal happiness and freedom.

Question 14

Proponents of ethical egoism suspect that altruistic explanations of behavior are superficial and without substance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Proponents of ethical egoism suspect that altruistic...

Question 15

Stoicism was a product of changes in ancient Greece.

Accepted Answer

Stoicism emerged during a time of political instability and social upheaval in ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, during the 3rd century BC. This period saw the decline of traditional Greek city-states and the rise of powerful empires, such as Rome. Stoicism represented a philosophical response to these changes, offering a way to find stability and purpose in a rapidly changing world.

Question 16

The two main forms of Egoism are psychological and sociological.

Accepted Answer

The two main forms of Egoism are psychological and ethical, not sociological.

Question 17

would respond to issues such as world hunger by claiming that starving people should be helped only when it is their own self-interest to do so.

Accepted Answer

This response is characteristic of ethical egoism, which holds that individuals should act in their own self-interest. This is in contrast to act consequentialism, which suggests that actions should be evaluated based on their outcomes for the greater good, regardless of self-interest. Virtue ethics focuses on developing moral character traits and hypothetical consequentialism evaluates actions based on hypothetical scenarios and their outcomes.

Question 18

For ethical hedonists, the question of how one ought to live is answered by the idea that the good life consists of a life of pleasure and that a person ought to act in such a way as to acquire pleasure.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the principle of ethical hedonism.

Question 19

Ethical egoism is consistent with Kant's theory of duty.

Accepted Answer

Ethical egoism is a theory that revolves around self-interest and personal benefit, whereas Kant's theory of duty is based on the concept of acting from a sense of duty and moral obligation, regardless of personal desires or interests. Therefore, ethical egoism and Kant's theory of duty are not consistent with each other.

Question 20

One of the main effects of stoicism is that it places the onus for becoming good or bad directly on the individual.

Accepted Answer

Stoicism emphasizes personal responsibility and self-discipline as crucial aspects of achieving virtue and leading a fulfilling life. It teaches that individuals have the power to control their thoughts and emotions, and that external events should not dictate one's inner state. Therefore, it places the responsibility for one's morality and character development squarely on the individual.

Quiz 15: Egoism, Pleasure, and Indifference Stoicism