Single Idea 2370

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / i. Self-interest]

Full Idea

Of the voluntary acts of every man, the object is some good to himself.

Gist of Idea

All voluntary acts aim at some good for the doer

Source

Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan [1651], 1.14)

Book Reference

Hobbes,Thomas: 'Leviathan', ed/tr. Macpherson,C.B. [Penguin 1981], p.192


A Reaction

Nonsense. You can only describe sacrificial acts for loved ones, such as children, in this way if this proposal is a tautology. Hobbes cannot know the truth of this claim.