The Ethical Theories Of Egoism In Disney, Disney '

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Egoism is an ethical theory that views self-interest as the basis of morality. Essentially, it is a view that people will do whatever brings about the best consequences and is better for oneself. Egoism derives from the Latin term “ego” meaning “I.” The “best consequences” meaning the actions make that individual happier. There are two types of egoism in which we have so far discussed in HUM 105. Psychological egoism is “the theory that in fact people always act in their best interest, or that no one ever acts unselfishly” (Wells, Egoism: pg 1). This doctrine holds that individuals are always motivated by their own self-interest. It is a psychological theory about how people do behave. Ethical egoism is the normative ethical theory that “an …show more content…

The opening scene focuses on the character Mother Gothel whom is the primary egoist in this movie, also known as the antagonist. Gothel is the “mother” of princess Rapunzel. She is an old woman who discovered this magical golden flower that had the ability to heal the sick and injured. She did not share the flower’s magic with anyone else and utilized its powers for herself. The powers of the flower kept Mother Gothel young and immortal for hundreds of years. She hid this flower deep in a forest so no one else could have possession of it. Mother Gothel is an excellent example of psychological egoism because throughout the movie she is always motivated by her own self-interest and never acts …show more content…

She[Mother Gothel] portrayed actions that displayed her as an egoist throughout the movie. Stealing a baby, holding that baby captive all her life, working with thieves, and stabbing a man were all actions taken by Mother Gothel because of her want to appear young and be immortal. Although Mother Gothel always acted in her best interest, in the end her egoistic ways never brought about any good consequences for herself as she ended up shriveled and dead anyway. On the contrary, Rapunzel supports Thomas Hobbes's theory about egoism. She only ever acted morally in which it protected her self-interest. Over the course of the movie, Flynn Rider started out and egoist, but actually conformed into a utilitarianist. His want to get the stolen crown was very strong in the beginning, but as his adventure with Rapunzel commenced, love got in the way and he slowly began to disregard his want for the returning of his precious stolen crown. Flynn Riders egoist want turned into a utilitarianist desire to help his beloved Rapunzel. All things considered, some core tenets of egoism can be exemplified in the Disney movie

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