Phoebe and Joey engage in a spirited debate about whether any good deed is truly selfless. Joey argues that all good deeds ultimately make the person feel good, so they’re not entirely altruistic. Meanwhile, Phoebe insists that true selflessness is possible. As the conversation unfolds, the discussion centers on motivations and emotional payoffs.

This clip is an engaging way to introduce utility maximization. Joey’s argument that people help others because it makes them feel good offers a humorous entry point into the idea that individuals make choices to maximize their own utility, even when the actions appear altruistic. It also sets the stage for deeper classroom discussions about rationality, behavioral economics, and how utility functions may include emotional satisfaction, not just material outcomes.

Thanks to Charlie Ben-Nathan for the clip submission!