Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal cover image

David Sloan Wilson interview on Group Selection, Memes, and Western Values

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

NOTE

Cooperation in Self-Interest

The concept of self-interest, as discussed by Alexei de Tocqueville in the 1830s, highlighted a shift towards framing actions in terms of self-interest in democratic societies. Tocqueville distinguished between self-interest rightly understood, which promotes cooperation, and self-interest wrongly understood, leading to negative outcomes. This distinction is crucial when discussing moral forms of self-interest versus immoral forms. The argument for cooperation in self-interest emphasizes the importance of recognizing and practicing self-interest in a positive and ethical manner.

00:00
Transcript
Play full episode

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner