Arguments Against Ethical Egoism

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In this paper, I will thoroughly discuss Ethical Egoism. I will also briefly discuss arguments for and against Ethical Egoism. First I will define Ethical Egoism in the context of philosophy. Proceeding from the context of philosophy I will discuss the difference between ethical egoism and psychological egoism. Then I will discuss the requirements of ethical egoism and the difference between ethical egoism general principle of self-interest and the notion of “whatever one wants.” I will then briefly suggest that Ethical Egoism is plausible but show the theory cannot be plausible in the same argument. Furthermore I will discuss the argument against ethical egoism that proves the theory to be arbitrary from the general principle concerning the treatment of others. Lastly I discuss why this arbitrary concept poses a problem for moral theory and reasons in ethics.
Ethical Egoism states that we should pursue our best self-interests of the long run. Morally right actions are those, which benefits our-self. Egoism is focus on oneself but differs in the context of psychology and philosophy. Psychological egoism defines our actual behavior. Psychological egoism states the people always pursue their own interest, while Ethical egoism states people should act in the context of their own interest. In other words, psychological egoism defines how we do behave and ethical egoism defines how we ought to behave (Rachels, p.77). To better understand, one must fully understand what ethical egoism clearly means.
It’s established that ethical egoism is a selfish way to moral actions but it helps to avoid causing harms to others. Ethical Egoism does not state we should avoid helping others but rather only promote our own interest. If our interest co...

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...e should pursue our best long-term self-interest independently of others, but do not avoid acts that coincidentally help others. If our acts coincidentally help others, that is fine as long as we were acting in the advancement of our own self-interest. The theory does not define how we do act but how we should and not short-term interests but long-term interests. While this theory seems and supported to be plausible, there are many arguments against it that makes it to be false. Of these arguments against it, is an argument concerned with the justification in the treatment of others. If there is no factual difference between others and ourselves, then the theory of ethical egoism is arbitrary and we must take others interest into recognition. This justification is parallel to the requirement of reason and impartiality in ethics. To conclude, ethical egoism is false.

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