Ethical Egoism Flashcards
What makes an action good?
If it benefits you
What does altruism say?
Good and bad depends on the impact of an action on others. Auguste Comte defined it as living for the sake of others
What does psychological egoism say?
Human behaviour is motivated by pleasure/self interest
Which is more important fleeting pleasure or long term pleasure?
Long term aims
What does James Rachels say about ethical egoism?
Ethical egoism endorses selfishness but it doesn’t endorse foolishness
What was Max Stirner’s version?
You must maximise your uniqueness and treat yourself as the highest being.
“For me you are nothing but my food”
“I am everything to myself and I do everything on my account”
Is greed and money the most important thing?
No self development and self satisfaction and critical thought are all part of the ego too.
Drive for money is forced upon an individual by the capitalist market forcing people to claim monetary reward for their labour
Is ethical egoism self centred?
No there is the ‘union of egoists’ based on free agreement, equality for all members, mutual self interest of those involved
Eg marriage to maximise self enjoyment and pleasure, once they no longer gain that, walk away
Strengths of ethical egoism?
Fits with human nature
Focuses on long term aims
Not just about material gain but improving character
Weaknesses of ethical egoism?
Individualistic and selfish, opposes altruism (against utilitarianism)
Could harm others
Goes against ethos of community
Encourages bigotry