Specific Viability in the Culture - Essay Example

The main difference in these regards is the understanding that in these regions, strength is a more valued quality than intelligence, as the majority of work is a farm or manual labor. It’s clear that this difference could lead to relativism as one culture places a higher value than another on intellectual forms of intelligence. Even as difference value is placed on these elements, it’s clear that the different values are different because they have specific viability in the culture, leading to support of relativism. 2. Psychological egoism claims that whatever we do, we do out of self-interest.

Give an example of an act you think is not done out of self-interest, and explain how the psychological egoist might try to interpret that act as selfish. One of the major acts that are claimed to be done not out of self-interest is charity work. Everyone from celebrities to billionaires to everyday citizens has regularly involved themselves in charitable activity as a means of contributing to world culture and helping disenfranchised individuals. Even as these acts are performed out of charity, a psychological egoist may claim they are done out of self-interest.

The egoist could potentially argue that in performing these acts the people are not doing it out of a selfless interest to help others, but actually as a means of making themselves feel better. Similarly, the egoist might argue that these people are participating in these charitable activities to make themselves look better in the eyes of their peers and the general public. 3. John wants prayer in school, and Mary does not. Describe a compromise position you think John and Mary might agree on, and identify any problems that position might encounter.

The problem of prayer in school is a hot-button issue. In the hypothetical dilemma, John wants prayer, while Mary does not. One of the potential compromises that could be reached for this situation is to allow prayer in school for those individuals that choose to pray. Still, prayer must not be an institutionally sponsored activity; for instance, teachers would not be able to institute prayer sessions. This scenario allows individuals their freedom of religion, may not forcing religion on anyone.

This compromise might be rejected by some, as they could potentially argue that allowing prayer in the scholastic environment is itself an infringement on individuals’ rights; similarly, restricting teachers from instituting prayer sessions might be argued to be overly restrictive of freedom of religion rights. 4. You work hard in your office; overtime, weekends, and early mornings. You get paid well, but you realize your coworkers get paid the same as you do, though they do not put in the effort you do.

Some have even been promoted ahead of you.In determining which course of action I would take, there are a number of considerations. The understanding that others who work less hard than me have been promoted ahead of me raises a number of concerns. In these regards, I would become concerned that I am being discriminated against and perhaps seek new employment. Still, during the intervening period, I would continue to work hard and maintain my consistent worth ethic. I recognize that it might be possible that my work has simply been unnoticed and then in continuing to maintain this work ethic, I would eventually be noticed and promoted.