Ethical Egoism Introduction to Philosophy Jason M. Chang.

Ethical Egoism

Introduction to PhilosophyJason M. Chang

Lecture Outline

1. Introduction to egoism

2. Two arguments for egoism

A. Human nature argumentB. Virtue of selfishness argument

3. 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 natureThomas 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

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 argumentHuman 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 argumentVirtue 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 egoismHuman 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

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 egoismVirtue 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