description Ethical Egoism Overview
Ethical egoism is a normative theory in ethics that holds that a person ought to act in ways that promote their own self-interest. It differs from psychological egoism, which is a descriptive claim about what people are motivated to do rather than a rule about what they should do. Ethical egoism does not necessarily require hostility toward others, because cooperation, promises, or limited assistance may sometimes serve the agent's interests.
help Ethical Egoism FAQ
What does ethical egoism say a person ought to do?
Ethical egoism says a person ought to act in ways that promote their own self-interest. It is a normative theory, so it makes a claim about how people should act.
How is ethical egoism different from psychological egoism?
Ethical egoism is a rule about what people ought to do. Psychological egoism is a descriptive claim that people are in fact motivated by self-interest.
Does ethical egoism mean a person must always be selfish?
It treats the agent's own long-term self-interest as the moral standard. That could sometimes support cooperation, honesty, or helping others when those actions serve the person's interests.
Is ethical egoism the same as hedonism?
No. Ethical egoism focuses on the agent's self-interest, while hedonism treats pleasure or the absence of pain as central to value. A person's self-interest can include goals such as security, achievement, or relationships.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
