Ethical egoism an Approach to moral decision making

Teleological approach to ethic from self-interest motive.

1. Moral System: Ethical Egoism Ought to do what in own self-interest

2. Ethics and Egoism Ethical egoism — The theory that the morally right action is the one that produces the most favorable balance of good over evil for oneself . Psychological egoism — The view that the motive for all our actions is self-interest. Ethical egoism is not synonymous with selfishness or self-indulgence.

3. Ethical Egoism: The pursuit and promotion of one’s own self-interest and well-being are the only criteria of right action.

4. “The achievement of his own happiness is man’s highest moral purpose.” Ayn Rand

5. Ethical Egoism Ethical egoism is a philosophical-normative, prescriptive theory Three forms: The individual form (everyone ought to act in my self-interest) The personal form (I ought to act in my own self-interest, but make no claims on what others should do) The universal form (everyone should always act in his or her own self-interest)

6. Advantages of Universal Ethical Egoism It is easier to determine self-interest It is easier for individuals to determine what their own interests are It encourages individual freedom and responsibility It works when people operate in limited spheres, isolated from one another, which minimizes conflict

7. Limitations Of Universal Ethical Egoism It offers no consistent method of resolving conflicts of self-interests While individuals operate in limited spheres, it is much easier to maintain self-interest As soon as individual or limited spheres start to overlap, individual self-interests will start to conflict Some principle of justice or compromise must be brought in to address that conflict

8. Problems with Universal Ethical Egoism Universal ethical egoism is the theory most commonly presented, but still has problems Inconsistency It is unclear whose self-interest should be satisfied

9. Problems with Universal Ethical Egoism What is Meant by Everyone The term “everyone” is unclear Everyone’s interests create conflicts and inconsistencies Difficulty in Giving Moral Advice It is difficult to determine how to give moral advice

10. Altruism: The interests and well-being of others should be considered in determining the moral rightness of one’s actions. Being concerned about oneself hardly needs justification. It’s simply part of being human that each individual seeks, at least in part, to attain his/her own well-being. Are there, however, any justifications for altruism?