How to know if you're being selfish (and whether or not that's bad) - Mark Hopwood
556,338 Views
3,494 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
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.
Iris Murdoch argues that love is “the extremely difficult realization that something other than oneself is real.” What makes it so difficult to see others as they really are? Do you think that Murdoch is right that love helps us to see more clearly?
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
