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Abstract:  The topics and questions listed below are the most significant information covered in our study of the ethics of self-interest.

Be able to define and give an example of each of the following concepts.

1.  eudaemonia
2.  arete
3.  doctrine of the mean
4.  lower pleasure
5.  higher pleasure
6.  (soft) determinism
7.  apatheia
8.  psychological egoism
9.  rule egoism
10.  personal ethical egoism
11. individual ethical egoism
12. universal ethical egoism
13. egotism
14. Socratic Paradox
15. Cynicism

Be able to discuss the main points and give examples for the following questions.

1.  What are the main points of Aristotle's ethics?  What is the role of pleasure in Aristotle's theory?  What are some of the major criticisms of Aristotle's ethics?
2.  What are the main points of Epicureanism?  What is the role of pleasure in Epicureanism?  What are some of the major criticisms of Epicureanism?
3.  What are the main points of Stoicism?  What is the role of active awareness in Stoicism?  What are some of the major criticisms of Stoic ethics?
4.  What are some of the common confusions concerning the use of the terms "self-interest," "selfishness," and "other-regarding motives"?  Be sure to offer and explain specific examples illustrating the distinctions made.
5.  What are the main objections to psychological egoism?  What are the main objections to ethical egoism?  Is ethical egoism an inconsistent theory?

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Recommended Sources

The Ethics of Self-Interest:  Links to the lectures notes covered by the first test.