Ethical Egoism Essay

Egoism is the philosophical concept of human self-interest and the relationship between ethics, altruism, and rationality (Robbins). Psychological egoism and ethical egoism are the two concepts or positions that explain how one is or ought to be motivated to obtain their self-interest. The difference between ethical and psychological egoism is that the former deals with how a person should act and the latter deals with a universal concept practiced by all. With the theory of psychological egoism, selfishness proves it to be false; thus, can true ethical egoism be possible? Ethical egoism is the normative view that each individual should seek out their own self-interest (Robbins). One ought to act and do what is in one’s own maximum interest, benefit, or advantage; and, the action must be moralistic for it to produce happiness. According to this theory morality is based on everyone promoting their self-interest or selfish motives. In the article “Ethical Egoism” by Jan Narveson. Narveson quotes Bishop Joseph Butler’s theory of rational behavior as “the rational agent acts so as to maximize the realization of one’s interest.” Meaning that one will only act if they are carrying out an action with the intention to achieve their interest to its full extent. In

With morality, one may refrain or do certain things whether they want to or not. According to Narveson in his paper “Ethical Egoism”, there are two principles that reflect egoism and how their morals effect their actions: first person and general. First person appraises all actions of all persons on the basis of the interest of the profounder alone - I believe I ought to do whatever, and only whatever, conduces to my best interest; and, everyone else should, too. General states that each person ought to do whatever is in that person 's interest - If I believe I ought to do whatever is in my own interest, but so should the next