Michelle Kosiba
Blog Post 2
Am I a person that's driven by psychological egoism? I’d like to think and would hope others view me as a person that does the right thing or speaks good into the world because it’s me. Not some robotic version that does what’s written in a book. I do find myself from time to time doing things off of feeling or my strong emotions driving me. That makes me think and really ponder if I’m at all like the norm of people. I have also done many things that society would deem as unfavorable or not up to par with “the code of ethics.” In my defense I did them for the betterment or saving grace of another person. An example that comes to mind was when this young mother of two was blatantly stealing right in front of me. I said nothing to the authorities nor did I try to reprimand her. Mind you she was not stealing jewelry or some “superficial” item. She was stealing bread, a necessity it seemed in her predicament. I could have easily done the “right” thing or do as I did and take that “hard” right. The hard right because morally at least according to my compass, I was right. I spared another human life grief and harm because even a blind man could see it is what was needed at the time. I am in no way shape or form condoning stealing but in some cases let's think with our hearts not just the “book” or the “word” lets make decisions with empathy decisions in which we can all live by peacefully. I understand she was committing a crime one in which I could seem just as guilty for by not stopping her. All I saw was a woman trying to make it in a world where not everyone is warm or as generous as the mass population would benefit from. We live in a world where corporations are more willing to dispose of food than to give it to the poor or less fortunate. Employees have literally been fired from McDonalds and numerous fast food chain restaurants for handing out discarded food to homeless beggars. Another time that I broke a rule and rightfully could have lost my position was during my time as a soldier in the United States Army. I had never had so much as a counselling statement while I was a soldier resulting in me being able to attend almost any army school I wanted. I chose to go to Unit Prevention Leaders Course. Upon graduating UPL school I became my company’s designated UPL and Battalion rep whenever Brigade taskings would come down. So one night I was out on the town with some fellow Noncommissioned Officers when I saw a specialist hanging out with some questionable characters. Out of fear for the soldiers well being and a want for him to fall in without a hitch into our ranks. I decided to nonchalantly in so many words tell him we’d be conducting a urinalysis after the long weekend. Technically as a UPL I am not supposed to disclose or even discuss the times, dates, or names of the urinalysis with anyone other than the commander. I again took it upon myself to think about the betterment of the group as a whole and not my own personal gain. So I guess to answer my own question I am not a person that’s motivated by psychological egoism.
