Ethical Egoism Flashcards
What is egoism?
Egoism - when self-interest is treated as the basis of morality (ethical theory)
What are the three forms of egoism?
. Psychological egoism
. Conditional egoism for the common good
. Ethical egoism
Psychological egoist argue..
That humans interactions are motivated by self interest.
Why isn’t psychological egoism an ethical theory?
It doesn’t consider the morality nor effects of people acting in their own self-interest, and instead explores the science behind doing so.
What is conditional egoism for the common good?
An entrepreneurial form of egoism that believes that entrepreneurs should be free to maximise their profits in business, if it benefits the whole community.
What kind of theory is ethical egoism?
Teleological; focuses on actions, i.e. acting in self interest.
(normative)
Altruism
Contrasts egoism, has the good of others as its goal.
Egoism ‘quote’
‘the only duty a moral agent has is themselves’
Psychological egoism ‘quote’
‘any apparent altruism is egoism in disguise.’
Ethical egoism ‘quote’
‘what we ought to do is the same as what we actually do’
What is Christianity’s golden rule?
‘Do you others as you would have them do you’
Max Stirner
German philosopher and teacher (1806 - 56)
Influence the development of existentialism, nihilism and individual anarchism.
Existentialism
A philosophical position that claims we are free to act without guiding authority.
Nihilism
rejection of moral principles, emphasis on the meaningless of life.
Anarchism
social disorder without guidance from the law
