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What has coronavirus revealed about human psychology?
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Self-perception

< (3 of 3)

The individual comes first

As social cohesion becomes necessary to discontinue the spread of the virus, many people put their own needs above the greater good.

The Argument

The only way to slow down the spread of the coronavirus is through cooperation. Governments can only mandate so many measures for safety, but the rest of the spread must be stopped through respecting guidelines such as social distancing, staying inside, handwashing, etc. As many people disrespect or disregard guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19, it has revealed that a large part of the human population will put their own interests above the good of the group. Some large corporations are not providing their employees with personal protective equipment, people are not social distancing, and other behaviors are proving that personal gain is more important than the virus-inhibiting measures that are being inputted by governments.[1] Humans are inherently self-serving and will choose personal advancement or enjoyment over societal advantages.

Counter arguments

Though there are many people disrespecting guidelines, many more are remaining quarantined, and in general, people are doing everything they can to prevent the virus from spreading. A majority are showing the ability to band together in the face of crisis, not the opposite.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] In crisis, human's true psychology is revealed. [P2] During the coronavirus crisis, people have behaved selfishly. [P3] Humans are inherently self-serving.

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-american-individualism-has-failed-epically-20200401-t56x2utg7jcwlprrzzvmwejwsm-story.html
This page was last edited on Wednesday, 9 Sep 2020 at 07:55 UTC

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