How to know if you're being selfish (and whether or not that's bad) - Mark Hopwood
556,077 Views
3,494 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
The question of whether or not humans are inherently selfish is one of philosophy’s oldest debates. The idea that we only act out of self-interest is an extreme stance that few philosophers would endorse. However, the idea that all humans have a deep selfish streak is something many philosophers would agree with. So, are we innately selfish? Mark Hopwood explores this classic conundrum.
Not all philosophers think that self-love is a bad thing. What might be an example of a good form of self-love? What do you think the difference is between the good kind of self-love and the bad kind?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Mark Hopwood
- Director Avi Ofer
- Narrator Adrian Dannatt
- Music Stephen LaRosa
- Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Produced by Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace