Reflection 3
I believe that Hobbes’s argument that human beings act selflessly naturally is the right diagnosis of human beings. Psychological egoism holds that the actions a person takes are motivated by what he will achieve from that action. People do act for various reasons like for themselves, for God, and the planet. However, for whatever reason a person takes any measure, he has to be benefiting from it one way or another. I believe just like from a widespread view that whether or not people know it, their actions are always done out of self-interest. People do value things out the happiness they give them. For instance, you would not expect me to like a person who mistreats me; however, I will like someone who treats me well. People often help others because they believe that one day that person will help you too. That is why people are often heard telling their colleagues that they owe them a four since they helped them back them; they expect their colleague to do the same.
Reflection 4
Nozick, in his though experience concerning the experience machine, he tries to bring out the idea that life is more than a positive experience. Hedonism states that pleasure is the only good, and Nozick is undermining these views and emphasizes the necessity of feeling the full package of emotions to acquire o good understanding of life. Nozick believes that people would choose not to plug into the machine since a fulfilling life is more than just pleasant experiences. A life full of meaning, achievements, authenticity, autonomy is better than a life whole of personal pleasures. Living life with subjective value as a result of accomplishments met is so fulfilling to any person. That is why Nozick says that most people would choose not to plug in the machine because they want to experience happiness and pleasure as a result of their achievements.
Reflection 5
Social contracts help individuals to live together and uplift each other. I stand with Rousseau’s view that being in social deals with one another helps enhances our natural freedom and goodness. I, therefore, think that we need rules to help us improve and flourish. Entering a social contract with knowledge that the laws and regulations governing the agreement are meant to help you develop will motivate you to give the contract your all to ensure that everything falls according to plan. If rules are set up to keep people in line, they will end up breaking those rules else motivation to live, and interacting well with others should come from within not being forced by mere laws. Having laws that help the people of the society to develop and flourish will promote the social relations amongst the people in that society hence making life better.