Introduction to Philosophy Jason M. Chang Ethical Egoism Introduction to Philosophy Jason M. Chang [

Lecture Outline Introduction to egoism Two arguments for egoism Human nature argument Virtue of selfishness argument Objections to ethical egoism

Introduction to egoism What ethical egoism is Moral theory Egoism’s definition of a morally right act Morally right act = the act that best serves one’s own self-interest

Introduction to egoism Misconceptions about ethical egoism Mistake #1: Egoism says that we should simply do whatever we want Ethical egoism does not say we should simply follow our short term wants or desires

Introduction to egoism Misconceptions about ethical egoism Mistake #2: Egoism precludes helping others Ethical egoism does not preclude giving money to homeless

Introduction to egoism Misconceptions about ethical egoism Mistake #3: Egoism precludes following the law Ethical egoism does not preclude following the law

Human nature argument for ethical egoism

Human nature argument Thomas Hobbes Features of the argument Assumes that “ought” implies “can” Appeals to human nature Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

Human nature argument What is a human being’s natural state? Selfish? Benevolent? Good? Evil?

Human nature argument To understand human nature, we must... Imagine a state of nature before the existence of societies and institutions. In this state of nature, there are no rules, laws, or policies to regulate human behavior. How would humans behave in this state of nature?

Human nature argument “nasty, brutish, and short” The state of nature, according to Hobbes, would be… “nasty, brutish, and short”

Human nature argument Major claim in the human nature argument Humans are naturally selfish Innate Immutable

Human nature argument Reasons for this claim Hobbes’ state of nature Newborn babies Studies in psychology

Human nature argument Human nature argument (P1) If one cannot do an act, one has no obligation to do it. (P2) A person cannot do other than seek his or her own self-interest or happiness when acting. [Psychological egoism] Therefore, (C) There is no obligation to do anything other than seek one’s own self-interest or satisfaction. [Ethical egoism]

Virtues of selfishness argument for ethical egoism

Virtue of selfishness argument Ayn Rand Features of the argument Appeals to the human good Human good = perfection of oneself Ayn Rand (1905-1982)

Virtue of selfishness argument Features of the argument Selflessness as a vice Selfishness as a virtue Ayn Rand (1905-1982)

Virtue of selfishness argument (P1) Humans have a moral duty to pursue the human good. (P2) The perfection of oneself is the only human good. So, (P3) A person has a moral duty to perfect himself. (P4) Acting against one’s own self-interest is contrary to perfecting oneself. Therefore, (C) A person has a moral duty not to act against but only in promotion of his own self-interest. [Ethical egoism]

Objection to human nature argument

Objections to ethical egoism Human nature argument (P1) If one cannot do an act, one has no obligation to do it. (P2) A person cannot do other than seek his or her own self-interest or happiness when acting. [Psychological egoism] Therefore, (C) There is no obligation to do anything other than seek one’s own self-interest or satisfaction. [Ethical egoism] Objection: (P2) is false – people can and often do act for reasons other than for their own self-interest or happiness.

Objections to ethical egoism Confusing two ideas Confusing two ideas “Helping others for personal satisfaction” The idea  Gaining personal satisfaction is our goal or motivation Psychological egoism’s claim  To gain satisfaction is the reason we help others or do anything “Personal satisfaction from helping others” The idea  Helping others is our goal or motivation – satisfaction merely follows Critic’s claim  Much of what we do generates satisfaction as a consequence – but that is not why we do them Helping others for personal satisfaction Motive  Gain personal satisfaction Personal satisfaction from helping others Motive  To help others

Objection to virtue of selfishness argument

Objections to ethical egoism Virtue of selfishness argument (P1) Humans have a moral duty to pursue the human good. (P2) The perfection of oneself is the only human good. So, (P3) A person has a moral duty to perfect himself. (P4) Acting against one’s own self-interest is contrary to perfecting oneself. Therefore, (C) A person has a moral duty not to act against but only in promotion of his own self-interest. [Ethical egoism] Objection: (P2) is false – a life aimed exclusively at perfecting oneself is not a good human life.

Objections to ethical egoism First criticism of (P2) Jones has an overwhelming passion for, a complete preoccupation with, his own happiness and self-perfection. Does Jones live a good life?

Criticisms of ethical egoism Second criticism of (P2) – An egoist can’t have friends Features of friendship Friendship and the good life Paradox of egoism