Egoism And Ethical Egoism

Egoism And Ethical Egoism
Behind every action that a person makes is an underlying question about what that person will get out of it. For this paper, I am going to be using The
Fundamentals of Ethics by Russ Shafer–Landau and Psychological Egoism and Hobbes by Hun Chung in order to talk about and give more insight on
psychological egoism and ethical egoism. There are many things to know and learn such as what these theories are and how they are different and
alike as well as other components supporting each theory. Psychological Egoism states that human actions are based on self–interest, even if the action
appears to be selfless. It is a theory that all human actions are aimed at avoiding some personal loss or gaining some personal benefit. Psychological
egoism...show more content...
To further understand this concept, here are some examples, an ethical egoist would hold it morally right if you helped in renovating a local sports
stadium than donate to a hurricane relief fund elsewhere. An ethical egoist would choose what he wants as a career, rather than what his parents or
society wants. For instance, choosing art over the more 'sophisticated' profession of architecture. Psychological egoism and ethical egoism are similar
in many ways. They are similar because they both promote self–interest Psychological egoism and ethical egoism are two very different theories but
have a lot of similarities. They both have the desire for self–interest and fulfilling their desires. "It might be true that everybody is, in fact, ultimately
motivated by self–interest, but such motivation might be so deeply embedded within people's subconscious states that not everybody is consciously
aware that his/her actions are motivated in this way." This entails that the clear agenda in these two theories is motivation, getting to what they want no
matter the cost, this is the sole point of these egoistic theories. Another similarity is that egoism violates core moral beliefs. 'Ego' meaning oneself
explains the self–interest portion of these theories. "Still if a theory deeply violates common sense, and if there is no compelling argument for that
theory then we are justified in rejecting it."
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Ethical Relativism And Egoism
Explain why relativism and egoism pose a challenge to the possibility of rational discussion in ethics. Using the readings in our text, show how these
doctrines might be challenged.
MacKinnen and Fiala define ethics as a branch of moral philosophy aimed to determine what would be the "good, right or just" pattern of behavior
among individuals (MacKinnen & Fiala, 2015, p. 3). There are various movements in ethics attempting to explain the nature of human behavior and
how it affects interactions with fellows and surroundings. Often conflicts arise among people who are holding different thoughts and points of view.
Relativism, as a theory, is trying to avoid these conflicts by preaching tolerance, and declaring that everybody is entitled to his or hers own opinion,
which is determined by their cultural and socio–economic background. Pojman is one of the philosophers, who objects such rhetorics, by alleging that
modern culture of tolerance and acceptance geared public away from moral objectivism defined...show more content...
Pojman addresses them separately. In subjectivism, the individual's behaviors are guided exclusively by his or her feelings, thoughts, and selected
personal values, thus leaving no room for the external objective evaluation and criticism. Such approach, Pojman argues, "makes morality a useless
concept," since the role of morality is to solve conflicts among individuals. Another form of ethical relativism is conventionalism, which holds that "all
valid moral principles are justified by their cultural acceptance." Pojman suggests that conventionalism appeals to those who value its "liberal
philosophical stance" and an attitude of tolerance in particular. In conventionalism, the morals' validity is established based on the societal values;
however, as Pojman notices, there could be conflicting values in various groups of the society (or subcultures), making it difficult to establish which set
of ethics to

Ethical Egoism, Ethical Altruism, And Eudaimonia
Ethical Egoism, Ethical Altruism, and Eudaimonia are terms adversely mentioned, and used interchangeably, especially in the philosophical field.
From a philosophical angle, egoism can take the descriptive or the normative perspective. While taking the ethical egoism angle, the source highlights
that for a particular action, it must adhere to the moral requirements to the extent that there is no depriving of the individual's self–interests. With
regards to ethical altruism, there is the tendency to be inclined to a behavior that has high intentions of ensuring that there is the garnering of benefits
to the other person for the purpose of this other person's welfare (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy n.p.). The chapter 5 (115) observes...show more
content...
Another critical aspect worth noting is that it is not necessary that the actions intended for self–sacrifice be termed as altruistic. They can remain as so,
even when there is some self–interest driving such acts.
According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, if a person undertakes an action driven by the altruistic intentions, with no self–interests behind
such actions, the actions can be described as being purely altruistic. However, the source stresses the importance of differentiating the purely altruistic
actions to the self–sacrificing efforts. The purely altruistic actions involve no gain at a personal level while the self–sacrificing efforts involve losing
something for the benefit of another.
On the other hand, ethical egoism differentiates from the ethical altruism in that while the latter is concerned with the welfare of others; the concern of
the former is for the promotion of the interests of oneself. Moseley (n.p.) notes that ethical egoism is a normative theory that shares in the notion that
"the promotion of one's good is in accordance with morality" (Moseley n.p.). This particular source notes that there is a robust and weak angle of the
promotion of one's good. The strong angle has it that; "it is always moral to promote one's good" (Moseley n.p.). On the other hand, the weaker

Egoism Theory : Ethical Theory
In business, Egoism theory is the most used ethical theory. Egoism is one of the oldest philosophical ideas; however, in the last few centuries it has
proven to become more influential in modern economics. Egoism is an action that is morally right if the decision–maker freely decides to pursue their
(short–term) desires or their (long–term) interests. In other words, the pursuit of an individual's interest is also beneficial to society as a whole. I
believe that egoism theory is the best fit because ultimately business is all about maximizing profits and benefits. Nonetheless, the underlying concept
of this theory is that an individual has only limited insight into the consequence of his or her actions. In order to achieve a good life, the individual
must pursue his or her own desires. By pursuing their desires, it will also help others achieve their own interests in the process. For example, if an
individual would want to expand their business into becoming an international organization, in the process of doing so they will have to hire experts
and other employees to succeed. Thus helping other individuals achieve their short–term or even long–term interests. This example translates to the
notion of 'enlightened egoism' in other words 'enlightened self–interest'. Therefore, today in the business industry when corporations want to increase
their own reputation, this notion is applied. For instance, corporations would invest in the social environment, because an improved

Ethical Egoism
Love Your Neighbor As Yourself: Response to Ethical Egoism PHIL
–122 22 March 2013 We are often taught at an early age that when struggling to
make a decision to "let our consciences be our guides". Conscience can be defined as our adherence to moral principles, or our considerations of
fairness and justice. The word "consideration" is used because every individual has their own standards for what they feel to be morally right versus
what they feel to be morally wrong, however this concept is not as black and white as it may seem. We accredit our moral considerations to many
external and internal factors. An example of an external factor is government laws because they are predetermined rules about behavior and action that
have...show more content...
Self–esteem is achieved when we accept the fact that we were not put on this Earth to serve the demands of others and by doing so we surrender our
lives to be used as property for the sake of another's gain. Once these values can be grasped and understood and we learn to fight for our personal
happiness above all else will we "will learn to live like men" because we will accredit pride as the reason and sum of our virtues. Louis Pojman is a
philosopher and critique of Rand's theories on ethical egoism and her disregard for the similarities between selfishness and self–interest. "Ethical
egoism is utilitarianism reduced to the pinpoint of an individual ego. Instead of advocating the greatest happiness for the greatest number, as
utilitarianism does, it advocates the greatest happiness for my–self." (Pojman, 542) Pojman criticizes Rand for her assumption that the only options to
achieve morality are to either to be an absolute egoist or an absolute altruist, when there are a number of alternatives offered between the two. A person
who is simply altruistic will not be able to achieve happiness solely through his attention to the needs of others; the same way a simply egotistic person
will not be able to achieve happiness solely through his attention to himself. While Pojman acknowledges that self–love and self–interest as positive
attributes, he believed that they can morally detrimental if they are executed at the expense of others. He

Ethics: Ethical Egoism and Utilitarianism
Ethical Egoism
Egosim can either be descriptive or normative
Descriptive egoism holds that for each individual, there is only one ultimate aim survival and the betterment of the sole individual based on their own
hierarchical principles.
Normative egoism has the individual making claims about what should be done to do the "right" thing, rather than what one does Ethical egoism
requires that for an action to be moral it must maximize one's own self interest
Rational actions are moral actions
Ethical egoism puts the self in front of all others in finding morality
Essentially, the argument follows that each of us is most familiar with our own wants and needs. We do not know the wants and needs of others in
the same way, nor are we equipped to always follow in others' best interests. It is then more efficient and logical to pursue our own needs and look
out for ourselves so that others do not have to. This view also assumes that the individual is more able to provide for their own needs and also has
that responsibility. Therefore, because the onus is on the self, society can be free to work for the betterment of larger projects that benefit everyone as
opposed to taking care of individuals (Feinberg, 2008, pp. 520–3).
At times, ethical egoism can benefit the larger group, as in a doctor in a rural town with free rent and a captive audience. The city provides the rent, the
doctor the care, but all benefit.
Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarianism is the view that the

Examples Of Ethical Egoism Vs Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism v. Ethical Egoism
Utilitarianism is a theory within ethics that states that people should base their actions on what is best for the society. Ethical egoism is the exact
opposite; it states that people should generally base their actions off of self–interest. It is impossible to say either utilitarianism or ethical egoism is
correct, by looking into two case studies though, we can see how followers of each theory base their decisions. Utilitarianism, again, says that people
should act based on what is best for everyone as a whole. If a large business, such as General Motors, that provides many positives to a community, is
failing, should the government bail them out? In this example, it is the government that will be using

Psychological vs Ethical Egoism Essay
Psychological Egoism and Ethical Egoism: A Comparison
Abstract
There is a certain innate desire to help others, just as others will feel that same fulfillment for returning that aid. At the same time, however, there is also
an inherent yearning to seek out one's own best interest. This brings about a discussion regarding the difference between psychological egoism and
ethical egoism. To understand the similarities and differences, one must first understand the two concepts including their natures, as well as their
doctrines of motivation.
Psychological Egoism and Ethical Egoism: A Comparison
Human beings place great value on the interests of both themselves and others. There is a certain innate desire to...show more content...
70) . Behind every action that a person makes is an underlying question about what that person will get out of the action. According to Rachels,
however, this remains an issue of human psychology as opposed to being one of ethics. That being said, psychological egoism does have serious costs
for human morality. Should psychological egoism actually be correct, then it would mean that all of society is composed of selfish individuals who
care only for their own gain; it would therefore be fruitless to discuss what people should be doing. On the other hand, ethical egoism is a theory
that prescribes moral obligation, where all people should be motivated out of self interest (Rachels, 2003, p. 70). This means that every person ought
to act in a way that is best for him/herself. Ethical egoism claims that it is moral for all of an individual's actions to be based on self–interest, without
concerning him/herself with the interests of others. In fact, this thought may be continued by stating that altruism is, therefore, personally hindering
and even demeaning (Brink, 1997, p. 122). Hence, ethical egoism must consequently mean that actions taken in an individual's self–interest are moral
actions, and actions taken that are not self–beneficial to an individual are immoral and should, as a result, be avoided. Ethical egoism is typically
broken down into two categories: strong and weak. The strong version of ethical egoism centers on the idea that it

Universal Ethical Egoism
Ethical Egoism is one of the most controversial theories in all of Moral Philosophy having received both bitter criticism and high praise from
philosophers of all stripes. While it was a prevalent topic in the mid–to–late 19th century, Ethical Egoism is rarely discussed today. This lack of
contemporary relevance stems from a series of formidable criticisms which gave opponents of Ethical Egoism an apparent victory over its proponents.
For the most part, however, these opponents have failed to account for egoism's complexities; whereas there are multiple versions of Ethical Egoism,
opponents usually argue against a very narrow, general conception. Thus, in the following essay, I claim that the argument is all but won by
demonstrating that these criticisms are not as strong as they appear. I will make my case by analyzing the multiple forms of Ethical Egoism as well as
addressing specific objections from several different...show more content...
Individual Ethical Egoism holds that "...for every person X and every action Y, X ought to do Y and only Y if it is in the overall self
–interest of a
particular person Z", while Universal Ethical Egoism holds that "...for every person X and every action Y, X ought to do Y if and only if Y is in the
overall self–interest of X" (Sterba 93). An Individual Ethical Egoist would argue that all people should do whatever benefits individual ("my")
self–interest while a Universal Ethical Egoist would argue that everyone should do what is in his own interests. The main difference between Individual
and Universal Ethical Egoism – as their names imply – is universalizability. Whereas Individualists do not concern themselves with the collective
well–being of society, Universalists believe that everyone will be better off if each person does what is in his best interest. Individualists tend to think
in terms of specifics while Universalists tend to think about the "big

Ethical Egoism: Two Types Of Egoism
Egoism states "...one's self is, or should be, the motivation and the goal of one's own action (Moseley, N/A)." Egoistic theory states that everyone
should want to act for the desired outcome of the self. There are two types of egoism: ethical and psychological (Kirkwood, 2016). Psychological
egoism states we act in ways that are wrong, even though we know it is wrong, for our own selfish needs (Kirkwood 2016). In contrast, ethical egoism
states that we should act in a certain way to benefit ourselves (Kirkwood 2016). Ethical egoism is best suited to explain why it is "just" for physicians
to assist patient suicide; because it is financially beneficial for both the family and tax payers. Any Rand, an ethical egoist stated, "[e]veryone should
...show more content...
"Deontological ethics holds that at least some acts are morally obligatory regardless of their consequences for human welfare (Encyclopedia Britannica,
2016)." This theory focuses not on what happens as a result of the decision, but the virtue of the decision itself (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016).
Immanuel Kant, a well distinguished deontologist, believed the "... fundamental principle of morality, [is] the categorical imperative (Glannon, 2005)."
He believes that humans have the capacity to act with reason and their emotions do not play a role in the decision making process of what is moral and
what is immoral (Glannon, 2005). Additionally, deontology contains six specific principles, relating to morality (Kirkwood 2016). These six principles
include: autonomy, impossibility, equality/justice, beneficence, and non–Malfeasance (Kirkwood 2016). However, in the medical profession, these are
grouped into four principles: autonomy, beneficence, non–malfesceance, and justice (Kirkwood 2016). These four principles of the deontological
theory accurately justify physician assisted suicide. Specifically, physicians should participate in assisted suicide to allow patient autonomy, and to
comply with the other three deontological principles. Autonomy is defined as a "...variously rendered ... self–law, self–government, self–rule, or
self–determination (Piper, N/A)." As a physician, it is one's duty to allow the patient to make their own decisions. Even in scenarios in which the
physician does not necessarily agree with what the patient has decided (Kirkwood 2016). Evidence shows that in the last stages of life, 63% of
patients feel a decline in sense of self, while 60% desire some kind of control in life (Pearlman, 2004). It is at these times, that a patient usually decides
to go through with physician assisted suicide. Hence, completely

A Look At Ethical Egoism Essay
A look at Ethical Egoism Introduced in 1874 by Henry Sidgwick in his book The Moral of Ethics, Ethical Egoism is an ethical theory that states that
one ought to do what is in their best long term interest. This theory states that a morally correct being must in all cases do the thing that will give them
the best result for their long term being. [1] Ethical Egoism stems from the idea that the self is the most important thing and that an ethical being has a
moral obligation to do what is in the self's best long term interest. Egoism is a normative ethical theory, meaning that Egoism gives us a framework
based on reason that moral beings ought to follow.
Ethical Egoisms principles are in sharp contrast to those of the Divine Command ethical theory. The ethical theory of Divine command in short states
that good actions are those that are aligned with the will of God and that bad actions are those that God opposes. [3] Since Divine Command is all
about what God wants and an ethical being following what God wants is considered moral, Ethical Egoism's self–interested principles care not for the
thoughts or even the well–being of others, including God. This does not mean that a self–interested Ethical Egoist is actively trying to harm others or
that they can't care for the well– being of others, it just means that if an action does not benefit the Egoist in some way or if taking an action will harm
the Egoist in some way, that is not counteracted by some long term good coming

Egoism And Ethical Egoism
Egoism is the idea of self–interest. It elicits what controls, and give the ambitions our self–interest. When philosophers carefully observed egoism.
Their thesis of egoism voiced that our intuition controls what we do and there is two form of self–interest. We have descriptive which they think
temporarily that people's drives instantaneous aspiration. The normative way is where our self–interest is developed based on experience and power.
Theories of egoism also study the intentions behind our actions. For example, do we act for love, religion, or wealth? Who benefits from our actions,
is it the individual or the whole of society? Two theories exist that try to answer these questions, namely the theories of Ethical Egoism and
Psychological Egoism.
Ethical Egoism is the normative theory that our self–concept should not be viewed as solitary but instead as part of society. In this respect, our actions
should also be for the benefit of society. Ethical Egoism isn't about self–deprivation, but rather about helping yourself by helping others as well. It relies
not just on improving one's self but also on improving the structure of society. The strong version of Ethical Egoism states that everything we do for
our own good is moral and must always be promoted. The weak version states that although acting for one's own good is usually for the good of
society on the whole, there may be conditions in which personal desires have to be suppressed in order to maintain social morality. The weak version
integrates the individual into society in such a way that he or she must be willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.
In contradiction to Ethical Egoism, Psychological Egoism presents itself as a much different perspective altogether. Psychological Egoism is the
descriptive variant that states all human actions to be the result of selfishness. The core of this theory focuses on a different definition of self–concept
or ego. However, there are many identifiable fallacies of Psychological Egoism. Firstly, the theory is based on intangible terminologies of the inner self
that cannot be physically examined. Furthermore, when we do try to study Psychological Egoism in terms of scientific observations such as human

The Three Argument Of Ethical Egoism
Ethical Egoism
I Shayka Wood
PHI112C41 Ethics: AH3
Professor Jake Camp Ethical Egoism is the doctrine that each person ought to pursue his or her own self–interest exclusively. Ethical Egoism is the
idea that the principle of self–interest accounts for all of one's obligations (Rachels & Rachels, 2016). With Ethical Egoism, sometimes helping others
will also help yourself. Ethical Egoism does not say to not help others. "The benefit to others is not what makes the act right; the act is right because it
benefits you." A common misunderstanding with this theory is that an Ethical Egoist is egotistical Ethical egoism endorses selfishness, but not
foolishness. The three main arguments of Ethical Egoism are altruism is self–defeating,...show more content...
Whistle blowing occurs when an employer asks an employee to do something immoral, such as falsifying data or offering bribes. The employee may
"blow the whistle" on the company revealing the immoral and most times, illegal practice(s) which will result in them losing their job and are
blacklisted from the industry, leaving them without a way to support themselves and their families. When deliberating on blowing the whistle, the
employee becomes an ethical egoist. The employee focuses on his or her self–interest which determines what they should do in the situation (Rae,

Example Of Ethical Egoism
Ethical Egoism is defined as, "the theory that everybody ought to be egoistic, selfish, and self–interested." (Bridge 1). While being right is defined as
"any decision or action that brings about what a person believes is good for himself or herself only" (Bridge 2). Essentially meaning everyone has a
right to look out for themselves and their own self–interest first. Many individuals support this doctrine to an extent for instance, Ayn Rand's "The
Virtue of Selfishness", who also defines selfishness as "concern with one's own interests," and she asks why this should be considered a vice" (Rand
1). She believes the word selfish and its definition shouldn't have a negative connotation as it doesn't include a moral evaluation–"whether one's own
interest is good or evil" (Rand 1). However, in the specific case of "The Lottery Ticket", ethicalegoism can be used as a standard guideline in order for
one to make the right decision. In this case, a neighbor has asked you to go to the store and buy them a lottery ticket. You follow through with the
instructions of your neighbor and buy a "random number" ticket with the money they gave you. Only to later find out, your neighbor won the lottery
jackpot of $1.8 million with the "random number" ticket you bought with their money. One may question in this situation, whether or not you keep the
ticket for themselves or give it to your neighbor–which they legally own. It's critical to analyze about the advice an ethical egoist would give

Ethical Egoism: Appropriate Moral Theory
Thesis:
Without a distinct framework, ethical egoism fails as a moral theory to assist moral decision making because it endorses the animalistic nature of
humanity, fails to provide a viable solution to a conflict of interest, and is proved to be an evolutionary unstable moral strategy.
Outline: Ethical egoism claims that all our actions can be reduced to self–interest. This is a controversial moral theory which sometimes can be
detrimental. Without a well–defined framework of the nature of self–interest, ethical egoism enlarges the animalistic nature of humanity in which can
result in unfavorable consequences. Ethical egoism also fails to provide a solution when a conflict of interest arises. By only acting out of one's self
...show more content...
However, in the case of ethical egoism, it advocates that all men ought to act from their self–interest but does not clearly state the nature of the
'self–interest'. For all we know, when one acts out of his/her self–interest, it can very well be something that is morally incorrect. Does the theory still
hold when a rapist raped a girl and think it is in his best interest to kill the girl so he won't get caught? On a certain level, ethical egoism does not only
fail to take into account the nature of 'self–interest' but also endorse wrong–doings and mischievousness. In Haidt's The Felicity of Virtue, the author
claims that philosophers like Plato and Kant believe that human beings have a dual nature: part animal and part rational. The animal part follows the
law of nature where there is "no morality" and only causality whereas the rational part "respect rules of conduct, and so people can be judged morally
for the degree to which they respect the right rules" (Haidt, 162). This animal nature illustrates exactly how ethical egoism can endorse selfishness
because ethical egoism resides on the animalistic human nature and does not recommend the rational part of human beings. Without a solid ground for
moral basis and taking account into rational nature of morality, ethical theory fails to constitute as a moral theory.
Ethical theory fails to provide a solution when there is a conflict of interest. A moral theory

Egoism Essay
Egoism
There is no word more generally misinterpreted than the word egoism, in its modern sense. In the first place, it is supposed to mean devotion to self
interest, without regard to the interest of others. It is thus opposed to altruism – devotion to others and sacrifice of self. This interpretation is due to the
use of the word thus antithetically by Herbert Spencer.
Again, it is identified with hedonism or eudaimonism, or epicureanism, philosophies that teach that the attainment of pleasure or happiness or
advantage, whichever you may choose to phrase it, is the rule of life.
Modern egoism, as propounded by Stirner and Nietzsche, and expounded by Ibsen, Shaw and others, is all these; but it is more. It is the...show more
content...
Moreover, quite apart from their enjoying the same things that you enjoy, it gives you pleasure to see them enjoy themselves in any way. Such
gratification to the individual is the pleasure of sympathy, one of the most acute pleasures possible for most people.
According to your sympathy, you will take pleasure in your own happiness or in the happiness of other people; but it is always your own happiness
you seek. The most profound egoist may be the most complete altruist; but he knows that his altruism is, at the bottom, nothing but self–indulgence.
But egoism is more than this. It is the realization by the individual that he is above all institutions and all formulas; that they exist only so far as he
chooses to make them his own by accepting them.
When you see clearly that you are the measure of the universe, that everything that exists exists for you only so far as it is reflected in your own
consciousness, you become a new man; you see everything by a new light: you stand on a height and feel the fresh air blowing on your face; and find
new strength and glory in it.
Whatever gods you worship, you realize that they are your gods, the product of your own mind, terrible or amiable, as you may choose to depict them.
You hold them in your hand, and play with them, as a child with its paper dolls; for you have learned not to fear them, that they are but the

"imaginations of your heart."
All the ideals which men generally think are realities,

Ethical Egoism
Ethical egoism is the normative theory that the promotion of one's own good is in accordance with morality. In the strong version, it is held that it is
always moral to promote one's own good, and it is never moral not to promote it. In the weak version, it is said that although it is always moral to
promote one's own good, it is not necessarily never moral to not. That is, there may be conditions in which the avoidance of personal interest may be a
moral action.
In an imaginary construction of a world inhabited by a single being, it is possible that the pursuit of morality is the same as the pursuit of self–interest in
that what is good for the agent is the same as what is in the agent's interests. Arguably, there could never arise an...show more content...
On the other hand, the ethical egoist can argue less benevolently, that in case one man reaches the desired resource first, he would then be able to take
rightful control and possession of it В– the second person cannot possess any right to it, except insofar as he may trade with its present owner. Of
course, charitable considerations may motivate the owner to secure a share for the second comer, and economic considerations may prompt both to
trade in those products that each can better produce or acquire: the one may guard the water supply from animals while the other hunts. Such would be
a classical liberal reading of this situation, which considers the advance of property rights to be the obvious solution to apparently intractable conflicts
over resources.
A second conflict–resolution stems from critics' fears that ethical egoists could logically pursue their interests at the cost of others. Specifically, a
critic may contend that personal gain logically cannot be in one's best interest if it entails doing harm to another: doing harm to another would be to
accept the principle that doing harm to another is ethical (that is, one would be equating "doing harm" with "one's own best interests"), whereas,
reflection shows that principle to be illogical on universalistic criteria. However, an ethical egoist may respond that in the case of the rich uncle and
greedy nephew, for

Ethical Egoism Essay
"People act for many reasons; but for whom, or what, do or should they act–for themselves, for God, or for the good of the planet?" (Moseley) An
egoist would argue that one acts for one's own self. More specifically, an ethical egoist is one who thrives to improve ones own self being, with much
respect to morality. Ethical Egoism is the theory that one should pursue his or her own interest above all the rest. It is the idea that all persons should
act from their own self interest in relation to morality.
There are many different types of ethical egoism: Personal ethical egoism, Individual ethical egoism, Universal ethical egoism, Categorical egoism, and
Hypothetical egoism. Personal ethical egoism is the belief that one should act for...show more content...
That is their essential ethical principle. Finally, there is the hypothetical egoist, who argues that all individuals ought to pursue their own interests if
they are looking for coming to a specific end. In a way, that type of egoist is not an actual egoist; he is rather a utilitarian who believes that happiness
for all can be enhanced if each person looks out after his own self.
A true ethical egoist would argue against the hypothetical egoist. He would not look to increase the happiness of others, only that of himself. A true
ethical egoist must not become a hypothetical egoist, because then he is no longer an egoist. Nor should he become an individual egoist, because it
would not be ethical. In addition, the truest ethical egoist must not publicize, or even try to persuade, others of his own policy. When an individual
advocates his own doctrine upon others, he is then persuading them to do the same. Hence, each person would begin to pursue his or her own interest
and thus it would not be to the persuader's advantage, for it will harm his own interest. A true ethical egoist would convince people to do otherwise, and
in return, this will serve the individual's greatest interests.
What is meant by "my own good?" David P. Gauthier, author of Morality and Rational Self–Interest, says that "Either that the thing I get is good, or
that my possessing it is good." What he is stating is that good can differ in

Ethical Egoism: A Consequentialist Moral Theory
Ethical egoism is a consequentialist moral theory. A consequentialist moral theory, says that an action is good if it brings about the best consequences
for all persons involved. Ethical egoism says that an action is morally correct if it is in accordance with a person's self–interest. In other words, an
action is good if it brings about the best outcome for a person. Ethical egoism is a normative statement, meaning as a society this is how we should
act. There are two major categories of ethical egoism, act and rule. Act egoism determines whether a certain action will produce the most good for an
individual. While rule egoism looks at specific rules that if a person followed, would be in that person's best interest (Vaughn). However, the actions
or rules that ethical egoism follows at times may not be in their best interest. There may be situations that the most good can be accomplished only by
performing an immoral act. In such cases, the theory would then condone for a person to steal, rape, or murder to promote what is in that person's
best–interest. As a result, ethical egoism contradicts our moral judgments, because promoting one's own interest, at the cost of harming another human
being should not be the only consideration to determining what is morally correct (Vaughn).
Although ethical egoism says we "ought" to act in our own...show more content...
Psychological egoism is not a normative claim, but is a descriptive theory that says people are able to perform only self–interested acts that are
beneficial themselves. If this is true then there can be no such thing as altruistic acts. People then do not have the ability to be selfless; because they
are always something to be gained that is otherwise self–serving. However, this has not been proven to be decisively true, there are people that seem to
do things that are in the best interest of other people without first seeking self–gratification (Vaughn,

Egoism And Ethical Egoism

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Egoism And Ethical Egoism