MNU ETHICAL EGOISM LOOK OUT FOR NUMBER 1 Dr. Judy Martin Session 4– January 28, 2014

DEFINITION Ethical egoism is the prescriptive doctrine that all persons ought to act from their own self-interest

ETHICAL EGOISM We shouldn’t fear selfishness – We should embrace it For our purposes we will view Egoism from a Universal approach Definition: Concern with one’s own interests We can be unselfish, but we should not be

ETHICAL EGOISM Egotism = We should do what is in our best interest now. Immediate desires & Impulses Ethical Egoism = Look at our goals long term and interest in our lives over a Lifetime.

ETHICAL EGOISM Egoism & Society It is possible to remain consistent with egoistic principles and still do what is good for others. Some say selfishness helps everyone. What do you think? Trapping mice story. Allows people to get to their goals, political, social or economic, society benefits resulting in innovation & improvement.

ETHICAL EGOISM Selfishness respects individuals and their choices. Individuals can define their interests and pursue them or evade them. A Trader – someone who earns what they get A trader has social benefits People’s rights are respected and protected

ETHICAL EGOISM Egoism promotes self-esteem Our achievements are not the result of charity but of our efforts. We have pride in our accomplishments.

ETHICAL EGOISM Potential Problems… Does EE understand ultimate reality? (The persons life is the ultimate source of right/wrong) Christianity has a different view...its about God, not the person themselves. Sabotage – its required with EE

ETHICAL EGOISM & CHRISTIANITY EE = a form of idolatry – leaves no place for God EE=fails to recognize the value of each person. Others are seen to achieve our interest. EE & Christianity have one thing in common – we enhance our lives. Christianity has a broader definition = GOD instead of ourselves.

CONCLUSION Final Comments on Ethical Egoism : the egoist is often seen to be egotistical and selfish, rather someone acting under enlightened self-interest. Life is not seen as a contest between people so much as it is a challenge. If someone is an egoist, then that person does not necessarily act against my own self- interest. Some observations are in order.

CONCLUSION Acting in one's self-interest very often benefits others. E.g., your going to college is in your self-interest, and it will help keep you off welfare. In pursuing your self-interest, you will get a job which will benefit others. E.g., you start a business to make money, but you must have satisfied employees and a competitive product thereby helping others. The egoist is affected by many more events than one would first think. I.e., it is in his interest to think about others. If the egoist doesn't help others to be happy, they will not return the favor. Often, it is in our own interest to look to our long-term interests by the effects of our actions on other people as a group. Hence, there is no inconsistency for the egoist to help a group of which he is a part. E.g., An ethical egoist can act in self-interest by contributing to the Salvation Army or to the United Fund.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT If the egoist is to choose what is in his own interest, then he must have the personal freedom to choose. Hence, the egoist must allow everyone to pursue his own personal interest (universal ethical egoism). Consequently, egoism leads into a right-based theory-each individual has certain inalienable rights or Egoism leads to a rule-based theory that certain rules of conduct are in the interest of everyone to observe. That is we are all better off if everyone obeys the law—we have to give up some good to achieve our maximum possible good.

4 ETHICAL SYSTEMS Cultural Relativism = Session 3 Ethical Egoism = Session 4 Behaviorism Utilitarianism