People are rational beings. if alternatives are known, reason determines what people do." Cite an example.

Question

"People are rational beings. If alternatives are known, reason determines what people do." Discuss this proposition in the light of motivation by citing specific examples or cases.

Answer 1

I think an example would be where a person is aware that it is wrong to steal. If the person were to find a wallet in the parking lot, he/she would try to locate the owner rather than keep it. Another example would be a situation where someone tells a child to kick another child and the child refuses, and if pressed to do the deed, would show signs of distress because he/she knows that the deed is wrong. In simple terms, most people have innate knowledge of right and wrong and would "normally" do the right thing unless there is some extenuating circumstance that might force him/her to do otherwise. Eg. A homeless, poor, hungry person might keep the wallet out of desperation.