PHI 220 PRACTICE EXAMINATION 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
● Difference between psychological egoism and ethical theory. Answer: psychological
egoism explains WHY people do what they do, ethical theories are rules and basis for morality
and explains how people OUGHT to act
● Be prepared to explain why an Ethical Egoist might claim that everyone would be
better off if everyone were to act according to Ethical Egoism. Explain Rachels'
objection to this argument for Ethical Egoism.. Answer: An ethical egoist would claim that
everyone would be better off if everyone were to act to this theory because they believe we
ought to pursue our own interests exclusively. However that does not mean we should avoid
helping others. We all ought to act to pursue our own interests, therefore we would be better
off because we would always be doing what we want.
● Does Ethical Egoism entail moral judgments radically different from common sense?
Be prepared to explain why or why not?. Answer: Ethical egoism radically differs from
common sense because it promotes the fundamental principle of self-interest, that is to say it
is mostly to one's advantage to avoid harming others, but doesn't show that it's always the
advantage. Commonsense will tell you not to harm others at all, and to avoid doing so mostly
even if it is for your benefit.
● Why is ethical egoism logically inconsistent?. Answer: Ethical egoism is logically
inconsistent because it back-fires among itself. When talking about what is the best option for
two people, the best possible outcome may end up being the wrong action from both parties.
B and K are running for president, it is in B's interest to murder K, but it also in K's interest to
prevent B from murdering K. If the point of view of morality were that of self-interest, then
there could never be moral solutions of conflicts of interest.
● Be prepared to explain the Principle of Equal Treatment and Rachels' reasons for
thinking that it undermines Ethical Egoism.. Answer: Principle of equal treatment: we
should treat people in the same way unless there is a relevant difference between them.
● What is the state of nature (Hobbes) and what is it like?. Answer: The state of nature is
a group of people living together without moral rules or moral restrictions, making for a
consistently miserable situation for everyone living under this. No one is at an advantage and
everyone is in the same original position. Doesn't know their place in society, or any abilities
ANSWERS GRADED A+
● Difference between psychological egoism and ethical theory. Answer: psychological
egoism explains WHY people do what they do, ethical theories are rules and basis for morality
and explains how people OUGHT to act
● Be prepared to explain why an Ethical Egoist might claim that everyone would be
better off if everyone were to act according to Ethical Egoism. Explain Rachels'
objection to this argument for Ethical Egoism.. Answer: An ethical egoist would claim that
everyone would be better off if everyone were to act to this theory because they believe we
ought to pursue our own interests exclusively. However that does not mean we should avoid
helping others. We all ought to act to pursue our own interests, therefore we would be better
off because we would always be doing what we want.
● Does Ethical Egoism entail moral judgments radically different from common sense?
Be prepared to explain why or why not?. Answer: Ethical egoism radically differs from
common sense because it promotes the fundamental principle of self-interest, that is to say it
is mostly to one's advantage to avoid harming others, but doesn't show that it's always the
advantage. Commonsense will tell you not to harm others at all, and to avoid doing so mostly
even if it is for your benefit.
● Why is ethical egoism logically inconsistent?. Answer: Ethical egoism is logically
inconsistent because it back-fires among itself. When talking about what is the best option for
two people, the best possible outcome may end up being the wrong action from both parties.
B and K are running for president, it is in B's interest to murder K, but it also in K's interest to
prevent B from murdering K. If the point of view of morality were that of self-interest, then
there could never be moral solutions of conflicts of interest.
● Be prepared to explain the Principle of Equal Treatment and Rachels' reasons for
thinking that it undermines Ethical Egoism.. Answer: Principle of equal treatment: we
should treat people in the same way unless there is a relevant difference between them.
● What is the state of nature (Hobbes) and what is it like?. Answer: The state of nature is
a group of people living together without moral rules or moral restrictions, making for a
consistently miserable situation for everyone living under this. No one is at an advantage and
everyone is in the same original position. Doesn't know their place in society, or any abilities
