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