ETHICAL EGOISM
... necessarily include the view that one ought to do what gives one the most pleasure. • In essence, under ethical egoism, one ought to do what is Really in one’s best interest (over the long run). 3 ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF ETHICAL EGOISM 1. (A) everyone should take care of his or her own personal interest only since no one is really in a position to take care of another’s interest. (b) To help others can be seen as an offensive intrusion. (c) Helping others is denigrating them, and does not really help them. Problems First, (a) through (c) are altruistic, since they are arguments that have the interest of the other in mind. Second, while (a) through (c) may be true in some cases, it is hardly the case that they are true in all cases. 2. Ayn Rand Happiness is the primary goal of all persons. Reason is the most precious attribute of our humanity. Altruistic Morality - degrades human reason. - entails a complete sacrificial life, which means forgetting oneself. - asks one to abandon any and all interest in yourself. - contradicts reason, therefore, it is an irrational view. - doesn’t take seriously the value of the human individual. Problem False dichotomy 3. Hobbsian View All duties are ultimately derived from the one fundamental principles of self-interest. (a) Avoiding doing harm to others. (b) Speak the truth. (c) Keep out Promises 3 ARGUMENTS ...