The materialist cum psychological egoist view of human nature contradicts the traditional rationalist and religious views and criticizes them both. These ideas give intuition to opposing human morality and identity. Let's break down the materialist, traditional rationalist, and religious views.
- Materialistic cum psychological egoistic view of human beings:
Assumptions: Materialists believe that everything in this world is made of matter, including human beings. They argue that human brains and thoughts are purely the creation of the mind and cannot be distinguished. According to this view, there is no such thing as the supernatural, soul, or abstract concepts.
Psychological egoism: This theory explains that human behavior is completely driven by self-interest. It idea shows that humans are selfish and self-centered, doing everything for their gain without any genuine sympathy. Even acts of kindness are seen as ultimately self-serving.
Implications:
i) Purposeless life: Living without a defined purpose or belief in something greater leads to a purposeless life. According to this view, human purpose is defined biologically or evolutionarily, not by divine or spiritual forces.
ii) social bonds, friendship, and family are viewed as mere survival strategies. Individuals under this view are seen as lacking genuine care for loved ones, acting out of self-interest and selfishness even when they appear to be affectionate.
Traditional Religious View:
Assumptions:
i) Dualism: Religion focuses on the coexistence of both spiritual and physical aspects. It posits that human beings consist of both physical matter and immortal souls. In essence, humans are not solely defined by their material existence but also possess a divine soul that animates them.
ii) Human beings are created by God and sent here for a higher purpose that needs to be fulfilled. We are not here without purpose, which often leads to worship and moral development.
Implications:
i)The freedom to act under one's religious beliefs or faith in a higher power is a fundamental entitlement for human beings. This is due to the belief that our actions are subject to judgment and that morality is rooted in the will of the divine.
ii) They will face consequences hereafter for their actions for what they do in this world, in simple words, you will be rewarded if you do good things, and you will be punished if you do immoral and bad things in this life by their spiritual power.
