
TED-Ed
6 mins
Ages 14 - 18
This video explores the philosophical perspectives on selfishness, using a relatable scenario of deciding whether to share a cupcake. It discusses the views of philosophers like Mill, Aristotle, and Hobbes on happiness, virtue, and social cooperation, encouraging viewers to reflect on their actions and their impact on others.
achieve their full potential within a community. He believed that true happiness comes from living a life of virtue, which includes caring for others and contributing to the common good. So, as you stand there in the kitchen, contemplating the last cupcake, you might consider these philosophical perspectives. Mill would suggest you think about how your actions affect the happiness of everyone at the party. Aristotle would encourage you to act with generosity and justice, perhaps by offering the cupcake to someone else. Hobbes might tempt you to prioritize your own desires, but remember that even he acknowledged the importance of social contracts and cooperation for a peaceful society. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but it's clear that the question of human selfishness is complex and multifaceted. Whether you choose to indulge in the cupcake or share it, you're engaging with a philosophical debate that has intrigued thinkers for centuries.