I know this is an old post, but I thought I’d comment anyway. When I talk to people about EA, even when I try to do so in an open, constructive, and non-judgemental way, I often get that “tautological egoism” response. People tell me it’s just as selfish to try to improve the world for everyone as it is to focus only on your own life, as we’re all just doing what we want.
Maybe I’m biased, but it really does feel like a case of motivated reasoning and a way to avoid the discomfort of cognitive dissonance.
Are you aware of any good, accessible explainers that respond to this “everyone is just as selfish” idea? I’ve seen more technical arguments showing how psychological egoism collapses into a tautology, but I’m looking for something easier to read and more accessible. Thanks!
I know this is an old post, but I thought I’d comment anyway. When I talk to people about EA, even when I try to do so in an open, constructive, and non-judgemental way, I often get that “tautological egoism” response. People tell me it’s just as selfish to try to improve the world for everyone as it is to focus only on your own life, as we’re all just doing what we want.
Maybe I’m biased, but it really does feel like a case of motivated reasoning and a way to avoid the discomfort of cognitive dissonance.
Are you aware of any good, accessible explainers that respond to this “everyone is just as selfish” idea? I’ve seen more technical arguments showing how psychological egoism collapses into a tautology, but I’m looking for something easier to read and more accessible. Thanks!