Ethical Egoism

• Ethical egoism


  A meta-ethical, normative and agent-centred, consequentialist theory which argues that the best form of morality is when everyone act in their own self-interest, thus rejecting altruism
• Egoist philosopher


  • Ayn Rand
• Ayn Rand's argument

  • Altruism devalues human life by treating it as a commodity
  • Humans have one life yet altruism demands they sacrifice this in order to benefit others
  • Supporters of altruism are parasites or mooches
• Psychological egoism


  A non-normative but purely descriptive theory, observing that human nature is such that all our actions are motivated by self interest
• Psychological egoism directly contrasts with altruism that proposes we act in interest of others
• Proposed the idea that humans act in self interest within his book II of The Republic


  Ancient Greek philosopher Plato
• Plato: '"No man would keep his hands off what was not his own when he could safely take what he likes out of the market"'
• Ethical egoism


  Belief that altruism is the enemy as it subjugates the individual's freedom
• Ethical egoism


  Disregards the importance of a consensus within a community and the psychological benefits individuals may feel in regards to self-esteem needs like belonging and love
• Ethical egoism


  Deteriorates any sense of community where everyone is effectively looked after and those who cannot look after themselves are given the support they need
• Ethical egoism


  The powerful prevail instead of everyone being looked after
• Individuals putting their own interests first


  Social injustices could occur
• Stirner's union of egoists


  A group that favours their own interests and disregards others in society at any cost if it means their interests are fulfilled
• Union of egoists becoming large enough

  Will create a sense of disillusionment and potential revolts whereby conflict becomes centralised
• Adam Smith: '"It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but their regard to act in their own interest"'
• Acting in our own interest


  Is how society is effectively able to run, according to the laissez-faire approach championed by Scottish philosopher and economist
• Claims of ethical egoism acting as a catalyst for social injustice can be disregarded according to the laissez-faire approach
• Ethical egoism


  Unique form of ethical egoism developed by philosopher Max Stirner in his book 'The Ego and His Own'
• Stirner initially rejected physiological egoism, arguing most self interest is deluded and that the self is always slave to a 'spook' (social constraint) unless liberated
• Spook

  Social constraint
• Stirner's criticism of religion refers to it as a spook as it involves subjugation of the individual whereby they are no longer acting in their own interest instead are controlled even if we do accept it
• Max Stirner: '"Of what use is sheep that no one abridges their freedom of speech"'
• Stirner argues this is cheated egoism whereby theists are promised freedom but on the premise they satisfy the needs of others
• -A true ethical egoist understands what is ‘Ownness’ and is not driven by materialistic or any other slavish ends thus liberating one’s ‘self’ THUS ARGUES FOR…
• A union of egoists: act in mutual self interest, no obligation to others
• AYN RAND: “The achievement of his own happiness is man’s highest moral purpose“
• “We know of only one principle, that men always act from self-interest“ (LORD MACAULAY)
• All things are Nothing to Me”― Max Stirner, The Ego and Its Own
• Away, then, with every concern that is not

  altogether my concern!”
• What is ethical egoism?

  A theory advocating self-interest as morality
• Who is a prominent philosopher associated with ethical egoism?

  Ayn Rand
• What does Ayn Rand argue about altruism?

  It devalues human life by treating it as a commodity
• How does Rand view supporters of altruism?

  As parasites or mooches
• What is psychological egoism?

  A descriptive theory about self-interest motivation
• How does psychological egoism contrast with altruism?

  It claims actions are motivated by self-interest
• Who originally proposed the idea that humans act in self-interest?

  Plato
• What example does Plato use to illustrate self-interest?

  The invisible ring scenario
• What is the normative dictum of ethical egoism?

  It is morally right to seek self-interest
• How does ethical egoism differ from hedonism?

  It focuses on long-term self-interest, not just pleasure
• How might a business owner exemplify ethical egoism?

  By treating consumers well for profit