Ethical egoism Flashcards
What type of ethic is ethical egoism?
- a normative ethic
- it is teleological - with the goal of achieving one’s self interest
What is the fundamental of ethical egoist’s belief?
- ethical egoists believe if an action creates a beneficial outcome for the moral agent; then this can be considered morally good
“ethical egoism holds that…”
“all actions ought to be motivated by self-interest.”
Julia Driver
What is the only obligation of an ethical egoist?
- the only obligation is to themselves and any actions that upholds this principle is deemed acceptable
“ethical egoists may hold…”
“any kind of theory off what is good and what is bad for their welfare.”
William Frankena
What is the contrasting ethical position to ethical egoism?
Altruism - altruism holds that moral agents have an obligation to help others.
What does altruism state a moral agent should always do?
Should always try to positively impact other individuals, regardless of the outcomes for the moral agent.
What do ethical egoists ironically consider about altruistic actions?
Recognise them as ultimately egotistical in nature. This is because when we carry out altruistic actions, we are doing so from some form of self gain.
What would the ethical egoist consider about the altruist who gives money to a homeless person?
- making yourself look like a better person; to impress your friends.
- it is not a concern for others, but a concern for yourself that motivates you.
“in caring for other people…”
“I do so because I think it will make my own life happier.”
Richard Norman
What is psychological egoism?
The view that humans are always motivated by self interest.
Why is ethical egoism the ideal normative ethic to follow
Because it supports our natural psychological state.
What is the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism?
- Psychological egoismi is a theory of human nature and argues that egoism is our natural state.
- ethical egoism is a theory that states moral agents should act upon their egotistical nature.
Long term interests not just short term interests
- Ethical egoism doesn’t always entail the moral agent pursuing short term self interests.
- because the fulfilment of short term desires may prove detrimental to the long term desires.
An example of a selfless act having a self-interested long term goal
A business may help someone by giving them a free product, but this provides the organisation with positive advertising and further business.
What does Ayn Rand argue about selves behaviour?
It is short sighted and creates a society that treats individuals as disposable.
What does long term interest do to a society?
Creates a society where individuals satisfy their own best interests.
“ethical egoism endorses selfishness…”
“but it doesn’t endorse foolishness.”
James Rachels
Who was Max Stirner?
A German philosopher who is seen as one of the forerunners of ethical egoism. Wrote “The Ego and its Own.”
What does Stirner agree with of the theory?
The general ethos that self interest should be the root cause of an individual’s every moral action.
Stirner’s 3 arguments
- the ego is a slave to obligation
- freedom comes when I recognise my ownness or authority over myself
- ownness is realised by understanding that our uniqueness gives us power to make our own decisions
What is the reason why we should all act in our own self-interest?
Because any attempts to satisfy the needs of other restricts our own uniqueness
Einzige
You are a unique individual, you have a unique ego to satisfy.
How does an individual maximise their uniqueness?
They must concentrate all their actions purely on themselves. We must treat ourselves as the highest being.
