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Ethical Egoism

Essay by   •  June 21, 2011  •  299 Words (2 Pages)  •  1,428 Views

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Ethical egoism

Explanation of the theory

This moral theory states that everyone should act in their own self-interest. Even though we can act in the interests of others, we should always act only in our own interests. Ethical egoist may help their friends if they believe there is a long-term payoff or benefit doing so.

One's self-interest is often best followed by allowing others to pursue their self-interest as well. Sacrificing one's short-term self-interest in order to maximize one's long-term self-interest is known as "rational self-interest."

There are three types of egoism:

Personal Ethical Egoism

Ð'- "I am going to act only in my own interest, and everyone else can do whatever they want."

Individual Ethical Egoism

Ð'- "Everyone should act in my own interest."

Universal Ethical Egoism

Ð'- "Each individual should act in his or her own self interest."

My view about the theory

I believe that it's a situational theory that depends on the circumstances surrounding the issue, although people ought to maximize their own good, they seldom try to do so.

I don't think that this apply all the time because if it did then it's going to result some problems as every individual would act in his/her interest which is not logical.

If everyone is a consistent egoist, the egoist won't get the help they or others need. So in the interests of self-interest,

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