OK, since abortion seems to be too sensitive a topic, try this one

Posted by Robbie53024 12 years, 6 months ago to Culture
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I travel a lot. I nearly always have a carry-on roller bag and a computer case. I'm a bigger guy, so legroom is important to me. My airfare is paid by my client, and they don't normally pay for "upgrades" and lately I've been flying Southwest, which doesn't even have a business class area.

Since I have A-List status, I get to board close to the beginning - and most of you probably know that SW is "festival seating" where you choose where ever you want to sit.

The flight attendants always make the announcement that only one carryon can go in the overhead and a second must go under the seat in front of you.

The Objectivist rationale would seem to point out that in my own selfish interest, I should put both bags in the overhead and let those after me fend for themselves.

The courteous person would suffer the inconvenience and put the computer case under the seat as instructed.

Make the rational argument one way or the other and back it up with Objectivist reasoning.


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  • Posted by ShruginArgentina 12 years, 6 months ago
    This question is based on a false premise:

    "The Objectivist rationale would seem to point out that in my own selfish interest, I should put both bags in the overhead and let those after me fend for themselves."

    It fails to make the distinction between rational self interest and selfishness and it implies that Objectivists believe in the "dog eat dog" way of life.
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  • Posted by khalling 12 years, 6 months ago
    Objectivism would teach that you are in a contract with the airline. For your payment, they offer a certain service. That service comes with some rules. It is no different than being a guest in someone's house. It's polite to respect the rules of the house or you might be asked to leave. If you put both of your carry-ons in the overhead compartment you are breaking a rule of the house.
    This does not rate high on the moral dilemma scale, however.
    The idea that Objectivism would teach that rational self interest would mean "screw you!" would not be rational.
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    • Posted by 12 years, 6 months ago
      But those are not hard and fast rules and they are violated all the time, seemingly with no repercussion. Thus, if it really isn't a rule, then wouldn't one be a fool to inconvenience oneself just so that others can avail themselves of the comfort?
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      • Posted by khalling 12 years, 6 months ago
        IT can be in one's rational self interest to take the risk. For example, if one were disabled. Being polite to others with whom you are in close proximity to and reliant on everyone mutually observing the rules (they are in place for a good reason-most of the time) is definitely in one's self interest. An Objectivist would weigh inconvenience (objectively) with consideration. For example, although not being able to stretch your legs out could be a huge annoyance to you, why then wouldn't you check a bag or take less stuff? If it's not that big of an annoyance, grin and bear it. I generally play by the rules, even when I see others ignoring them. I do not want reasonable people to find me inconsiderate-
        I wonder if you think it's the Objectivists who cut in line going through TSA because they see themselves more important than anyone else in line?
        Whenever someone has cut in line in front of me, if they acknowledge it at all-it's because they actually see their need to move ahead of me as valid. They'll tell you-they are going to miss their flight, their husband is up ahead, they need, they need....Objectivists would not presume their "need" was more important than that of anyone else standing in line.
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