Explore the age-old question of whether humans are inherently selfish with this engaging ESL lesson plan. Students will delve into philosophical perspectives, discuss real-world examples, and debate the complexities of human nature. The lesson includes activities to encourage thoughtful discussion and reflection on self-interest versus altruism.
Story 1: Girl Loving Herself
Emily stood in front of the mirror, smiling. She admired her reflection, feeling proud and beautiful. Her confidence shone brightly, and she loved every part of herself. "I am strong and wonderful," she whispered, embracing her true self with love and happiness.
Story 2: Girl Hating Herself
Lila stared at her reflection, feeling sad. She focused on her flaws, overwhelmed by insecurity. Her low self-esteem made her believe she wasn't good enough. "I wish I looked different," she sighed, feeling trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and unhappiness.
Very deep or intense.
- Sentence: The philosopher's words had a profound impact on the audience.
A confusing and difficult problem or question.
- Sentence: Deciding whether to take the last cupcake was a real conundrum for him.
In a permanent, essential, or characteristic way.
- Sentence: Some believe humans are inherently selfish.
Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Sentence: His altruistic actions won him many friends.
Recognize or treat as different.
- Sentence: He distinguished himself as a leader during the crisis.
The act of identifying someone or something.
- Sentence: She received recognition for her hard work.
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Sentence: Her empathy made her a great listener.
A picture or description that exaggerates certain features.
- Sentence: The cartoonist drew a funny caricature of the politician.
Deliberate and intentional effort.
- Sentence: It took a conscious effort to change her habits.
The protection of oneself from harm or death.
- Sentence: His actions were driven by self-preservation.
In the kitchen at a friend's party, you're faced with a moral dilemma. Philosophers whisper advice in your ear. Utilitarian John Stuart Mill suggests aiming for the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Aristotle emphasizes virtues like generosity and justice. Meanwhile, Thomas Hobbes argues that humans are inherently selfish, so why not take the last cupcake for yourself?
This scenario touches on one of philosophy's oldest questions: Are humans inherently selfish? The idea that humans act only out of self-interest, known as psychological egoism, lacks support among philosophers. Evidence shows humans often sacrifice their self-interest for others, and even young children demonstrate helpful behavior with no personal gain. However, many agree that humans possess a deep selfish streak.
Immanuel Kant noted that while actions may appear altruistic, they might be motivated by self-love. For instance, large charitable donations could be motivated by a desire to look good or gain tax benefits. Not all self-love is bad. Jean-Jacques Rousseau distinguished between "amour de soi" (natural self-preservation) and "amour propre" (a harmful desire for recognition and status). Similarly, Aristotle believed humans flourish by seeking the good of others as well as themselves, suggesting true self-love involves overcoming selfishness.
How do we overcome selfishness? Kant believed a sense of moral duty helps us rise above self-interest. Rousseau and Adam Smith emphasized emotions like pity and empathy. Iris Murdoch, a 20th-century philosopher-novelist, argued that love is the true solution to selfishness. For Murdoch, selfishness isn't about taking the last cupcake; it's about seeing oneself as the center of the world.
Murdoch illustrated this with a story of a discontented mother-in-law who views her son's wife as vulgar and juvenile. By focusing on her own insecurity and reducing her daughter-in-law to a caricature, the mother-in-law diminishes her humanity. However, Murdoch believes she can change this perception through conscious effort. By practicing attention, a concept partially inspired by Buddhist meditation, the mother-in-law can learn to see her daughter-in-law as she truly is.
Murdoch's definition of love is "the extremely difficult realization that something other than oneself is real." Practicing attention helps direct our focus beyond ourselves, whether through art, learning languages, or observing nature. By improving our ability to see the world as it truly is, we can overcome selfishness.
- A: Psychological egoism is the idea that humans only act out of self-interest. However, there is little support for this extreme stance as evidence shows humans often sacrifice their self-interest for others.
- A: Immanuel Kant noted that while actions may appear altruistic, they might be motivated by "a secret impulse of self-love," meaning people might have hidden self-interested reasons for their actions.
- A: Rousseau identified "amour de soi," which is natural and essential for self-preservation, and "amour propre," which is a harmful desire for recognition and social status.
- A: Iris Murdoch believed the true solution to human selfishness is love, specifically the realization that something other than oneself is real. This can be achieved by practicing attention to the world around us.
- A: Murdoch suggests that cultivating attention can involve engaging with art, learning foreign languages, or simply observing the natural environment. This helps direct focus beyond oneself and see the world as it truly is.
- A: Yes, there have been times when I helped someone thinking it was purely out of kindness, but later realized I was also hoping to gain their appreciation or improve my reputation.
- A: I once gave up a job opportunity to support a friend through a difficult time. It was challenging, but ultimately, it made me feel fulfilled and strengthened our friendship.
- A: I agree with Rousseau. It's natural to take care of ourselves and ensure our well-being, but seeking recognition and status can lead to unhealthy competition and dissatisfaction.
- A: I practice mindfulness by taking walks in nature, engaging in community service, and spending quality time with family and friends. These activities help me focus on the world around me rather than just my own concerns.
- A: Yes, there was a colleague I initially found difficult to work with. After making an effort to understand their perspective and background, I realized they had valuable insights and we developed a much better working relationship.
- A: Yes, I believe society often prioritizes recognition and status, which can lead to unhealthy comparisons and a loss of focus on genuine self-worth and community values.
- A: I agree with Murdoch. Love and mindful attention can broaden our perspective, helping us appreciate others and the world around us, reducing self-centeredness.
- A: I think it’s possible to act selflessly to a large extent, but some form of self-interest, even if it's just the satisfaction of helping others, is often present. This doesn’t necessarily diminish the value of the action.
