Ethical Egoism

This paper explains in brief, about ethical egoism, in the perspective that society should be considered, while performing the operations. It discusses the arguments for and against ethical egoism and its impact on society. The paper also highlights the conflicts between ethical egoism and altruism.

Running Head: PHILOSOPHY 0
Ethical Egoism
MAY 28, 2018

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This paper explains in brief, about ethical egoism, in the perspective that society
should be considered, while performing the operations. One is not advised to gain something
at the cost of others interests. Although, it means one looking on his/her interest and working
towards attaining them. But, in an organizational context or in the long run it will not bring
the best results always because the lessons of morality teaches us to not distinguish between
people on any grounds and treat each other with due respect , as we like to be treated by
others. Thus, ethical egoism do not exert a positive influence on the society.

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Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................3
ETHICAL EGOISM......................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................4

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INTRODUCTION
Ethical Egoism describes the perspective that each one of us pursue to seek for the
fulfilment of self-interests rather than the group interests it means that no one is obliged to
promote the interest of others, concerned with how we should behave. Ethical egoism is too
extreme for the society. There are many arguments in favor or against of Ethical egoism
(Westacott, 2017).
ETHICAL EGOISM
It is a normative concept, through which agents ought to do only what interests them,
overlooking interests of others. If this approach is true, it implies psychological egoism is
false. An alternative description of ethical egoism states that the person referring to “I”
always ought to act or behave in his/her own self-interests even if, this clashes with the
interests and values of people in the society that is simply just because “I” value what I desire
the most (Kay,2018).
Arguments by, Adam Smith in support of ethical egoism, can be described as
everyone who pursue their own good unintentionally benefits the society as a whole, because
it is considered that a person can promote oneself and is motivated to work hard towards
themselves in a better way. An objection to this, it is not necessary what is stated in the
argument is always true. Being rational towards self-interests is undoubtedly right, but that
will not bring the best possible outcome (Seven Pillars Institute, 2017).
Altruism means putting forward the interests of others argues with the fact of ethical
egoism and creates conflicts between egoism and altruism so we act in a manner so as to
ensure a balance between them.

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Though, it relates to self-interests but is not a well-known moral philosophy, because
it opposes the assumptions that most people have regarding the ethics/morality that “We
should treat others, how we would like to be treated” (Norman, 2018).
Two objections of ethical egoism can be stated as First, it has no solutions to offer for
the problems in the organizations which affect the interests of the people. Ethical egoism
suggests to execute their operations, it does not give remedies to resolve conflicts. We should
not discriminate people on the grounds of religion, race, origin, but ethical egoism states that
we should discriminate between people in the organization.
Rational egoism includes those actions and ideas which describes about the best ways
of living life based on facts, figures and experiences throughout life (Liberalistene, 2018)
Conditional egoism refers to the morality and ethics to be followed, what kind of behavior is
acceptable or desirable in the society, which benefits the society and public as a whole
(Learning To Give, 2018).
CONCLUSION
To conclude the above discussion, it may be stated that ethical egoism is a matter of
debate which has been supported and objected by people according to their thinking and
approaches. But, on a major point it is not considered as an act in good faith, though it
benefits a person but does not bring the best outcome always. The choice is based on the
individual judgment, but interests of others should also be acknowledged as our actions are
based on the grounds of morality.

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REFERENCES
Learning To Give. (2018). Egoism. Retrieved from:
https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/egoism
Liberalistene. (2018). What is rational Egoism? Retrieved from:
https://www.liberalistene.org/knowledge/what-is-rational-egoism/
Norman, T. M. (2018). To Be or Not To Be Selfish: Ethical Egoism and Altruism. Retrieved
from: http://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6653/
Seven Pillars Institute. (2017). Ethical Egoism. Retrieved from:
https://sevenpillarsinstitute.org/glossary/ethical-egoism/
Westacott, E. (2017). What is Ethical Egoism? Retrieved from:
https://92018www.thoughtco.com/what-is-ethical-egoism-3573630.