Question

If people behave in ways that they believe are in their best self-interest, how would you explain the following? a. Mother Teresa devoted her entire life to living in the worst slums of Asia, providing aid to others. b. Bernic Madoff created a scheme whereby people gave him billions of dollars to invest that he simply kept for himself. c. Pat Tillman gave up millions of dollars when he chose to enlist in the military following the \(9 / 11\) attack on the United States rather than play professional football.

Short answer

Question: Analyze and explain the motivations behind the actions of Mother Teresa, Bernie Madoff, and Pat Tillman based on the concept of self-interest. Answer: Mother Teresa's self-interest was driven by her spiritual and moral beliefs, leading her to help others and dedicate her life to philanthropy. Bernie Madoff's self-interest was driven by materialistic gains, as he aimed to accumulate wealth through defrauding others. Pat Tillman's motivation was driven by patriotism and a sense of duty to his country, sacrificing a financially rewarding career to serve in the military following the \(9 / 11\) attack.

Step-by-step solution

a. Mother Teresa's Actions

Mother Teresa devoted her entire life to living in the worst slums of Asia, providing aid to others. Analyzing this situation, we can say that Mother Teresa's self-interest was driven by her spiritual and moral beliefs, rather than by materialistic prospects. She found fulfillment in helping others and making a difference in their lives. By dedicating her life to philanthropy and improving the lives of the less fortunate, Mother Teresa achieved a higher purpose and sense of satisfaction that aligned with her own values and belief system.

b. Bernie Madoff's Scheme

Bernie Madoff created a scheme whereby people gave him billions of dollars to invest that he simply kept for himself. In this case, Madoff's self-interest was driven by materialistic gains, as he wanted to accumulate wealth by defrauding others. Madoff's actions can be described as selfish, as he was putting his own self-interest above the well-being of others without considering their losses. However, his motivation can still be explained by self-interest, albeit in a negative and destructive way.

c. Pat Tillman's Decision

Pat Tillman gave up millions of dollars when he chose to enlist in the military following the \(9 / 11\) attack on the United States rather than play professional football. In this situation, Tillman's self-interest can be explained by his patriotism and sense of duty toward his country. He felt the need to protect and defend the nation after the tragic events of \(9 / 11\) and sacrificed a financially rewarding career to pursue his patriotic calling. Tillman's self-interest was not driven by materialistic aspects, but by emotional and psychological rewards obtained from serving his country and upholding his personal values and convictions.

Key concepts

Ethical Behavior

Ethical behavior refers to actions that reflect principles of what is right or good. This involves making choices that consider the well-being of others, society, and oneself. Ethical behavior stems from moral values, guiding individuals to act responsibly and fairly. It involves honesty, integrity, and fairness in dealing with others.

When we consider examples like Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to helping people, it illustrates how ethical behavior aligns with a person's moral compass. Rather than seeking material gains, her actions were guided by her belief in serving humanity. This highlights that ethical behavior is not just based on rules or laws, but on an individual's moral beliefs.

Altruism

Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others, quite opposite to acting solely out of self-interest. It involves actions benefiting others without seeking personal gain. Altruistic behavior arises from empathy and the desire to help.

Mother Teresa's life is a prime example of altruism. She derived joy from aiding others, even if it meant sacrificing personal comfort. This goes beyond self-interest as her fulfillment came from uplifting others. Altruism does not negate self-interest entirely but shows how personal satisfaction can be derived from helping.

Economic Incentives

Economic incentives are rewards or penalties that influence people's actions and decisions. They are often related to financial gains, but can also include other motivators, such as rewards for good behavior or penalties for wrongdoing. Incentives play a crucial role in shaping human behavior, especially in economic contexts.

In the case of Bernie Madoff, economic incentives were monetary. He looked to maximize his wealth, disregarding ethical considerations. Although his actions were legally and morally wrong, the financial incentive was powerful enough for him to engage in fraudulent behavior. It is vital to consider how incentives affect decisions, as they can drive both ethical and unethical actions.

Moral Values

Moral values are principles that one holds to be right or important. They form the foundation of one's character, guiding discussions and relationships. Values like honesty, loyalty, and kindness are crucial for building trust and respect in society.

For Pat Tillman, moral values played a significant role in his decision to leave a lucrative football career and serve in the military. His values were rooted in patriotism and a sense of duty to his country. This decision reflected his belief in protecting others and upholding his personal ideals, emphasizing that moral values can lead to profound, seemingly sacrificial actions.