The first use of "selfish" is found in the first sentence, "The 1980s have been characterized as a period of SELFISH individualism that threatens the cohesion of society."
So we are looking at "selfish individualism."
The second use of "selfish" is found in the last two sentences, "Throughout history all human actions have been motivated by SELFISHNESS. When the deeper implications are considered, even the simplest 'unselfish' acts prove to be instances of SELFISH concern for the human species."
So this second use of the word is more on selfish motives and concerns for the human species as a whole.
We are faced with "selfish individualism" v. "?selfish concern for the human species." The first use of "selfish" focuses on individual selfishness for one's self. The second use of "selfish" focuses on selfish concern for the whole species.
Thus, even though we are discussing selfishness in both instances, one instance pertains to selfishness of the individual, and another pertains to selfishness of the whole. That is why answer choice (E) is correct.
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