01 Ethical Thought: C Ethical Egoism Flashcards
What is ethical egoism?
This states that moral agents, when faced with a moral dilemma, ought to do what is in their own self interest.
What type of theory is ethical egoism?
Teleological.
Why is ethical egoism teleological?
An ethical egoist should consider the consequences of their actions.
In ethical egoism, when is something considered ethically good?
If a particular action would create a beneficial consequence for a moral agents.
What does ethical egoism concerntrate on?
The needs of the individual
What is good defined as in ethical egoism?
What benefits the individual moral agent; the only obligation.
What is ethical egoism a contrast to?
Altruism
What did Epicurus that human behaviour was motivated by?
Pleasure
What is the argument that human behaviour is motivated by pleasure alone called?
Psychological egoism
What is psychological egoism?
The view that humans are motivated by self-interest, even if it seems to be an act of altruism.
Why is ethical egoism an ideal normative ethic to follow?
Because it supports our natural psycological state (psychological egoism).
Is there such a thing as a selfless act?
No
Explain long term interests in ethical egoism.
Ethical egoism does not necessarily always entail the moral agent pursuing short term self-interests.
Therefore, fleeting pleasure takes a back seat to longer term aims that benefit the moral agent.
What does James Rachels state about long term self interests? ethical egoism
“Ethical egoism endorses selfishness, but it doesn’t endorse foolishness”
Who is Max Stirner?
A German philosopher.
What are all our actions done in?
Self-interest
What does Stirner suggest that self interest is the root cause of?
An individuals every action, even when they are apparently doing ‘altruistic’ actions.
What does Max Stirner state about ethical egoism?
“I am everything to myself and do everything on my account”
What does Max Stirner say that humans are enslaved by?
Duty and obligation imposed by religious and moral frame works.
According to max stirner are we truly free to make a decision?
No
What does Stirner distinguish between?
Self and owness
What must a person do to be truly free?
They must become free from obligation.
For Stirner what is true freedom and true self-interests?
To be my own person without being a slave to obligation.
For Stirner, when does an individuals owness come?
When they recognise their uniqueness.
What do we perform uniquely?
Deeds.
What does Stirner argue we should free ourselves from?
Any external obligation and any emotional attatchements such as greed.
What are the 3 key terms for Max Stirners ethical egoism?
-ego
-owness
-uniqueness
What is the union of egoists?
People would unite in ‘unions’ based on free agreement and equality of all members. The union exists purely to help individuals achieve their own goals.
Why would unions of egoists exist?
To ensure they maximise an individuals self-enjoyement, pleasure, freedom and individuality, as well as ensuring that those involved sacrifice nothing while belonging to them.
