Rational self-interest implies that ?

Question

Rational self-interest implies that ?

a) individuals make choices that provide them with the greatest satisfaction.

b) individuals are selfish.

c) individuals consider themselves better off when they take actions that make others worse off.


D)
individuals have studied economics.
all other variables are held constant.

Answer 1

Objectivism is a philosophy developed by Ayn Rand that encompasses positions on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics, and aesthetics.

"To live, man must hold three things as the supreme and ruling values of his life: Reason, Purpose, Self-Esteem."

So the answer is A.

Answer 2

The answer is A.

B is wrong: everyone acts out of self-interest, including altruistic people who get their reward by feeling good about themselves by doing something for someone else. So, even that seemingly unselfish behavior does have an element of self-interest in it.The term 'selfish' is a judgement made by a third party. Rational self interest does not consider this but merely makes decisions based on how it improves the situation of the decision maker.

C) Rational self interest does not imply that a goal is to make someone worse off. This may be a consequence, but it is not a goal. That is, if I see $10 laying on the ground, I can pocket it or give it to you. If I choose to pocket it, it is not out of a desire to hurt you, but rather to enrich myself. The effect it has on you is a consequence, but not a purpose of the action.

D) Rational self interest has nothing to do with studying economics. Another term for rational self intersest could be 'survival of the fittest'.

So, of the four possible answers, and in light of D, choice A is the best of the four choices.