Ethical egoism fosters an environment of competition and promotes lack of selflessness.
Because self-interest differs from person to person, competition to fulfill personal self-interest
becomes acceptable. For example, many people who have careers in the trade of business view
personal gratification and fulfillment as essential to success. Pursuing one’s self interest demands
that individual desires are elevated above another’s. Ethical egoism does not allow consideration
for another person’s needs or permit aiding someone to reach their personal goals (Debelijak &
Krkac, 2008). This philosophy fundamentally alters how society and individuals uphold or value
standards of morality. If one’s goal in life is to seek personal satisfaction, then it is morally
justified via ethical egoism. However, there are serious ramifications to this self-seeking ethical
philosophy.
Ethical egoism advocates individual preservation above the common welfare of society.
If one’s desire is to steal believing he is justified because his own self-interest is being fulfilled,
then he commits the crime with the belief that he is morally justified in doing so. An action is
moral so long as self-interest is the only goal being achieved. Individual interests and social
welfare are often in conflict due to the reality that self-interest does not permit self-sacrifice.
Ethical egoism mandates that social welfare is not a priority, not even a consideration when
contemplating how best to pursue one’s self-interest (Olson, 1961). This corrupt pattern of
thinking creates a fixation on individual preservation rather than universal prosperity. Therefore,
the only one benefiting from ethical egoism is a single individual. Everyone’s needs are not met
nor are they considered important. It is a human being’s tendency to value or pursue self-interest
at the cost of common welfare and prosperity.
Individualism states that the interests or desires of an individual are regarded as supreme.
Individualism is often associated with the ethical egoism because an individual’s desires are
considered paramount above the collective society. As a result, the individual relates to society
or their community based upon what said community can offer them as an individual. There
exists no internal motive to Help another individual in pursing their desires or achieving their
goals. Ethical egoism is self-centered by nature which causes a disconnect and lack of care for
another’s prosperity (Gantt & Burton, 2013).
I believe that the only benefit to pursuing self-interest is temporary fulfillment of a
particular desire. A society or community cannot benefit from each individual seeking selfsatisfaction. This self-centered philosophy ultimately leads to competition and misplaced
animosity between people. It would be impossible to encourage, uplift, or connect with others if
we are viewing each other as obstacles or hindrances to our selfish desires. I find ethical egoism
to personify the selfish, depraved nature characteristic of human beings. If self-interest is the idol
to be worshipped, then other people will suffer the concequences of such narrow-minded
thinking. I believe that many people benefit when we put aside our self-interest to acknowledge
and consider another person’s needs above our own.
References:
Debelijak, J. & Krkac, K. (2008). “Me, myself & I”: Practical egoism, selfishness, self-interest
and business ethics. Social Responsibility Journal, 4(1/2), 217-227.
Gantt, E. E., & Burton, J. (2013). Egoism, altruism, and the ethical foundations of personhood.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 53(4), 438-460.
Olson, R.G. (1961). Ethical egoism and social welfare. Philosophy and Phenomenological
Research, 21(4), 528-536.
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Ethical egoism produces a competitive environment and promotes a lack of selflessness.
Because people’s self-interest differs, rivalry to fulfill personal self-interest
becoming tolerable Many people who work in the business world, for example, see
Personal contentment and gratification are important components of success. Pursuing one’s own self-interest necessitates
that one person’s wishes are prioritized above another’s Consideration is not permitted by ethical egoism.
for another person’s needs or allow someone to Help them in achieving their personal goals (Debelijak &
Krkac et al., 2008). This worldview significantly impacts how society and individuals sustain or value certain concepts.
standards of morality. If one’s goal in life is to seek personal satisfaction, then it is morally
justified via ethical egoism. However, there are serious ramifications to this self-seeking ethical
philosophy.
Ethical egoism
