Should we act morally only because it is to the overall advantage of society?

By Missy Kergosien <missc4@hotmail.com>

Should we act morally only because it is
to the overall advantage of society?

By Missy Kergosien<missc4@hotmail.com

Human beings are naturally driven by selfish motives. Why are we all here at Lander University? To get a degree. Why do we want a degree? To make money (hopefully more money than those without a college degree).

Hospers presents the ‘Fair Play’ argument as an incentive for moral behavior. Hospers states that although everyone may not agree on what the rules should be, the guidelines and laws will operate to society’s mutual advantage (25). Do people act morally solely for society’s mutual advantage? No! Their moral actions are driven by self benefit. In the process of improving one’s position on life’s hierarchical ladder, one may display positive actions which others choose to emulate.

Life is a game. Often times, it’s who you know, not what you know. While in an utopian society everyone would act morally only to better the entire group, reality shows such is not the case. People act properly so others will have a positive perception of them. Help others and they will be more likely to help you.

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Travis Galloway <hyperdedo@hotmail.com>

Ah yes... This is sad but true... Although I do find myself doing many things I would not normally do, or things that are stressful to me, just for the benefit of others... Then again, one could say I do this for a long-term good, thus I am doing it for selfish reasons... Im depressed... Im going to play video games now...

Kimberly Pitts <KLP103@hotmain>

I believe people should act morally for many reason, but not just for the advantage of society. I also believe that if people do act morally that is to the advantage of the entire society.

nichole vernon <nichole317@excite.com>

people should act morally regardless of anything.life is much easier on yourself when you are kind to others.pay it forward.

Tally Loyd <Tally_Loyd@Hotmail.com>

I agree. I don't think society is a moral meritocracy, that seems to be just a little too good to be true. Good points.

missy kergosien <surfski8@hotmail.com>

i agree with Travis

Matt Wright <surfski8@hotmail.com>

i agree with tally

Cindy Bourret <lucy12241979>

This is true. People are selfish in all ways. Even if going to college means to make money. Good job!

densie melchionne <dmelchionne@yahoo>

I agree with Tally

Wendy Garner <wlg51@backroads.net>

Good point.

Matt Culbertson <mculbertson@hspower.com>

Graet paper. I think it is important to act morally. If everyone acted immorally what kind of society would we have?

Crystal Gray <crystalg32@hotmail.com>

I think people should act morally all the time, but their are many who act morally just so they can get a reward in return.

Eric Howell <grayghost13@hotmail.com>

Good paper. Excellent use of the utopian society and what is reality. Good Job.

Danny Frady <garydfrady@hotmail.com>

I also feel it is a dog-eat-dog world. Good Job!

Chris Graham <collge-guy@intgenesis.com>

Wonderful paper

Lee Archie <larchie@philosophy.lander.edu>

Do all persons seek money?

Eric Doyle Knight <frruita@hotmail.com>

Good points. Again the theme of self-interest. But what of those actions that help others, but harm oneself? Just what is the future good mentioned by Travis? Possibly to become a "better person" and thus be happier? But in what way, what does that mean? Raises interesting points.

Cynthia Glanton <cynthia_glanton@hotmail.com>

Good points and ideas.

Chad Williams <czm_1@hotmail.com>

I don't completely agree. I know one or two people that do little more than it takes for them to survive. And they do this purposefully. It IS possible to be selfless. It just isn't a desirable prospect to the majority...
This is why I can't completely DISagree either.

Amanda Thompson <amandat211@yahoo.com>

your paper has some good points. even if someone believes they're acting for the overall good of society, their motives may still be, in some ways, selfish.

Heather Renfro <jewel@emeraldis.com>

I agree with you, Missy. Good job!

Will Mulkey <wrmulkey@hotmail.com>

Good paper! Nice points.

Karen Long <karen_long@email.com>

I think you hit the nail right on the head. Great Job!

Chris Garaham <collge-guy@inetgenesis.com>

Good paper. Very true. Kinda short though

jason stansill <jasonstansill@hotmail.com>

I do agree with most of your points, but I think that some people help others not just in the hope that they will have a good image of them, but because it simply makes others happy around them. It is my feeling that as long as others around me are happy than I am happy.

jason stansill <jasonstansill@hotmail.com>

I do agree with most of your points, but I think that some people help others not just in the hope that they will have a good image of them, but because it simply makes others happy around them. It is my feeling that as long as others around me are happy than I am happy.

Comments Closed <11.01.01>

Further Comments are Voluntary

Karen Long <karen_long@email.com>

Good paper.

Heather Ferguson <AddysmomF@netscape.net>

I think that people, but more specifically Americans are driven by selfish, monetary motives. Good Points!