Before one can compare and/or contrast ethical egoism and utilitarianism one must first know the meaning of each to determine whether they are to be compared or contrasted. Ethical egoism with respect to philosophy is defined as pursuit of your own welfare and interests: making personal welfare and interests your primary or only concern, sometimes at the expense of others. Egoism can also be defined as a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions (2) or individual self is either the motivating moral force and is, or should, be the end of moral action. Egoism divides into both a positive and normative ethic. The positive ethic views egoism as a factual description of human affairs, that is their own interests and desires motivate people. The normative ethic is that they should be so motivated. (3) These definition should not allow it audience to think that egoism is egoism is not the only motive for action. In order for egoism to explain the intricacy of life, life itself and the action of others would need to be made effortless. Because this cannot be done egoism cannot be considered a moral truth. One flaw of this theory would allow one to believe that people need the help of those around them in order to have the desired outcome. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. Even with this there is no guarantee that others will respond in the expected manner bring to point flaw number two. .
Utilitarianism is defined as the ethical doctrine that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the criterion of the virtue of action. (1). A doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences; specifically: a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number (2). For utilitarianism to be a moral truth the word good must be first understood.
Psychological egoism is a reflex that every person has to orient themselves toward their own welfare. ... The second issue I want to explore is egoism versus altruism. ... The problem is wide-spread confusion over the meanings of ``altruism'' and ``egoism.'' ... Yet, it's not the brutality usually ascribed to egoism. ... Two asides on the topic of egoism. ...
In this case and in many like it, psychological egoism does not hold up, and since moral theories need to be universally applicable, James Rachels is correct in stating that psychological egoism is false. ... James Rachels responds to the assertions of psychological egoism by pointing out its many ambiguous assumptions. ... Perhaps the largest problem with psychological egoism is the inability to test it. ... I agree with Rachels" objections to psychological egoism. ... There is truth in psychological egoism, though, and there are definitely times that we act selfishly. ...
Egoism There is no word more generally misinterpreted than the word egoism, in its current use. ... Psychological egoism is a reflex that every person has to orient themselves toward their own welfare. ... Overall, psychological egoism can explain any action with a selfish motivation. ...
For the duration of this essay, "egoism" and "ethical egoism" will refer to the above definition, and "altruism" will refer to the opinion that one should always act in a way that will benefit others. There are, according to Rachel, three main arguments in favor of ethical egoism. ... It seems that ethical egoism becomes unnecessary in the case of (a). ... Egoism does not rely on the basic premise presented by Rachel in (1), for the very fact that the premise contradicts egoism completely. ... Whether the avoidance of resentment is a worthwhile reason for egoism is your decision. ...
I will be discussing the theory of Ethical Egoism. ... It is based on rationality, so a person doesn't have to make a "leap of faith" into ethical egoism. ... And ethical egoism is based on people acting on their own self-interest. ... A problem with ethical egoism is that an egoist makes decisions depending on what will benefit them the most. ... Another problem with ethical egoism is that it argues for everyone to act on his or her own self-interest. ...
The process on how one should handle each decision process in the situations will be examined using ethical frameworks and ethical theories, mainly egoism and hedonism. ... " Both ethical egoism and hedonism are similar in the fact that they are both concerned with the pursuit of personal happiness/pleasure. Yet, they are different in the fact that egoism is only concerned with one's self interest whereas hedonism includes the consideration of other's happiness as well. ... "Ethical egoism claims that it is necessary and sufficient for an action to be morally right th...
The novel "The Fountainhead" by Ryn Rend, nonetheless, advocates and acclaims an opposing belief to such ones that are rooted in society - Egoism, which permits oneself a complete independence from others. ... Her praise for egoism openly devastates the society's moral standard and conformity, however conveys an idea of the highest value of man - his own judgment of truth -, which not only reinforces to achieve creations, but manifests the possibility of achieving relationships that are based on purity, not based on superficial needs for survival and advantage. The writer's preaching...
Egoism, not Amigoism "There are no laws, and there is no one to enforce moral behavior. Each man must provide for himself all things, including defense. Each must fear for his life at all times, and even sleep, which is not optional for individuals, carries a risk of death. The individual can be k...
In The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, deep philosophical undertones are explored, including the struggle between psychological egoism and ethical egoism, the power of words, and human nature. ... By definition Max's disregard for his family in time of distress is an example of egoism. ... This demonstrates another type of philosophy, ethical egoism, "While psychological egoism purports to tell us how people do in fact behave, ethical egoism tells us how people ought to behave" (McConnell 41). ... Egoism is just one philosophy that Zusak depicts, another one being the power of wo...
