Why do people equate being rational with being selfish?

Question: Why do people equate being rational with being selfish!?

A person can act rationally by thinking about what would be best for everybody involved in the situation, yet many of the scientific articles written on rationalism often assume that people only think about themselves!? Why is this!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Human nature is such that people generally act in their own self-interest!. The assumption underlying rational choice theory is that the individual will choose to act in ways that maximize her benefits and minimize her costs!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

By somebody acting rationally about what is 'best for everybody', then that person is vain!. To assume you, the human with a god complex, know what is in each and everybodies best interest is borderline blasphemy!. Worry about yourself, succeed in whatever you do, then you may be allowed to act rationally for the people who agree with you!.

Again it is folly to assume you know what is best for other people!. If you know something they do not, then it is your duty to inform them and let them make their own decisions!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Because the "I" is attached to everything we do, even if it is in consideration of another person!.
"I" am going to help
"I" will do good
"I" will be considerate
"I" am not selfish
"I" do not think about my self!.!.!.!.!.Immanuel Kant called it Apperception, Everything that we do we must connect with the "I"(ego)!. They are not saying that you are a selfish or self-centered person, but trying to state the fact that, it is impossible to disassociate your self "I" (ego) with everything perceived out side of "I"

To argue their side, if you are doing good to make yourself happy, for praise, or for a rich an prosperous afterlife then that is selfish!. But I am sure that you do good for the sake of Humanity, peace and justice!.

Love Peace, Wisdom, Reason, YouWww@QuestionHome@Com

They don't!. Please quote your source of information!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

all is vain!!!Www@QuestionHome@Com

all is vain!.Www@QuestionHome@Com