The Theory Of Psychological Egoism And Ethical Egoism Essay

James Rachels introduces in his written works, Egoism and Moral Skepticism, two different theories of human nature: psychological egoism and ethical egoism. The theory of psychological egoism refers to the view that all human actions are self-centered. On the other hand, the theory of ethical egoism is the idea that we are not obligated to do anything other than what is in our interest. Most individuals would consistently believe in ethical egoism because most generally care about the well-being of others. The scenario states that there is an outbreak of a deadly disease in the remote area where a colleague and I are spending our month-long business trip, working with two other people from the local village. A viral of vaccine was dropped off by officials from the government’s disease control agency, but it is only enough to completely ensure two people and 99% chance if it was equally distributed. My colleague and I are given the opportunity to keep the vaccine to ourselves w ithout the others knowing. My colleague, who is an ethical egoist, tells me that we should not share because there is no reason for us to help the others and put our lives at risk for not taking the full amount of vaccine. For the sake of the vaccine and the argument, I will accept my colleague’s ethical theory and based on his views, I will convince him to share with the others. I believe this is a better approach because an ethical egoist’s primary principle is himself and therefore, by focusing onShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Psychological And Ethical Egoism959 Words   |  4 PagesWhen looking at the ideas of egoisms, two major views come out in the form of psychological and ethical egoism. While both of the views hinge on the idea that everybody acts in their own self-interest, the major separator is that ethical egoist views their pursuit of their personal gain morally right (106), even if they have to kill or steal for it, compared to the psychosocial egoist wh o just state that the only thing that motivates humans is their self-interest while the moral standings stay theRead MoreEgoism And Ethical Egoism1291 Words   |  6 Pagesof Ethics by Russ Shafer-Landau and Psychological Egoism and Hobbes by Hun Chung in order to talk about and give more insight on psychological egoism and ethical egoism. There are many things to know and learn such as what these theories are and how they are different and alike as well as other components supporting each theory. Psychological Egoism states that human actions are based on self-interest, even if the action appears to be selfless. It is a theory that all human actions are aimed atRead MorePsychological vs Ethical Egoism Essay1167 Words   |  5 PagesPsychological Egoism and Ethical Egoism: A Comparison Abstract There is a certain innate desire to help others, just as others will feel that same fulfillment for returning that aid. At the same time, however, there is also an inherent yearning to seek out one’s own best interest. This brings about a discussion regarding the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. To understand the similarities and differences, one must first understand the two concepts includingRead MoreEthical Egoism Reflection Paper1739 Words   |  7 Pagesselfishness or selflessness, psychological egoism, ethical egoism, and altruism all somehow relate towards beneficiating, but I believe that psychological egoism is the correct way to view selfishness for its positive symbiotic relationship between the person doing the action and the person receiving it. 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Psychological egoism is the viewRead MoreEthics of Welfare and Government Assistance Essay1502 Words   |  7 Pagesof Welfare and Government Assistance When the topic of welfare is brought into an ethical discussion most individuals would surely see it as an ethical act that genuinely helps those in need. This is true to an extent, but is it possible that welfare does more harm than good? Most would argue that the hand out of money to those less fortunate is being socially responsible. The question that drives this ethical issue is where does social responsibility end and personal responsibility pick up? ThisRead MoreAltruism And Egoism : A Moral Code Of Conduct1417 Words   |  6 Pagespsychology, altruism and egoism are two contrasting views on morality, one holding that one should value principles/actions that benefit others over oneself, the other holding that not only are we innately selfish species, but that selfishness is how one ought to act. While both theories of morality are prevalent throughout history and cultures around the world, I will be examining the two sides of egoism: physiological and ethical, and how these c an be connected to altruism. These theories are essential becauseRead MoreEgoism By Thomas Hobbes And Immanuel Kant1660 Words   |  7 PagesEgoism can be described as the theory of solely acting towards the advancement and good of one’s own self, without any other causes for action. While egoism has been interpreted differently throughout history, the two variants of egoism conceived by Thomas Hobbes and Immanuel Kant are widely considered today to be theoretically bound and consistent. The egoism, described by Hobbes, conceives egoism as  a fully psychological motive that is within the minds of all human beings, who think only of theirRead MoreEthical Dilemmas : What Should Jean Do? Essay1551 Words   |  7 PagesEthical Dilemmas: What should Jean do? Jean McGuire works as a salesperson of land property in Sunrise Land Developers. Jean’s superior Wright Boazman, the sales director, described the importance and efficiency of using â€Å"deal-closing techniques†. This technique is usually used to motivate the prospect into buying the lot, because often people really want to buy a lot but hesitate at the last few minutes of signing agreements. Wright introduced the most effective closing technology termed â€Å"the otherRead MoreThe Concept Of Selfishness Is Viewed By The Ethical And Psychological Ethics1307 Words   |  6 Pagespaper, I will discuss how the concept of selfishness is viewed by the ethical and psychological egoists. I will also examine both sides of the issue, those for and against the theories, while citing the text, â€Å"Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues† and the views of philosophers in it such as Joel Feinberg and Theodore Schick. I plan to use all the above in order to support my argument that the psychological and ethical egoist would be wrong to think Amy is looking out for her own selfish