Ethical and Psychological Egoism: Analysis of James Rachels' Work

This essay provides an analysis of James Rachels' work on egoism and moral skepticism. It explores the concepts of ethical and psychological egoism, discussing how individuals act based on self-interest. The essay examines examples of moral skepticism, where the existence of objective mora...Read More

Running head: ETHICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM
An analysis of ‘Egoism and Moral Skepticism’ by James Rachel
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1An analysis of ‘Egoism and Moral Skepticism’ by James Rachel
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................2
Analysis of Egoism and Moral Skepticism....................................................................2
Examples of Moral Skepticism......................................................................................2
Possibilities of Morality.................................................................................................3
Conclusion......................................................................................................................3
References......................................................................................................................5

2An analysis of ‘Egoism and Moral Skepticism’ by James Rachel
Introduction
Contemporary scientists have figured out that modern psychology is in strong need of
fundamentals metaphors and concepts that unites various methods and schools (Overall,
2016). The concept of egoism states that individual’s life should be the only goal of his or her
own actions. Moral disagreement is a state of mind that possess problems related to moral
realism that shows knowledge of the moral facts cannot be achieved like that of realists
(Risberg & Tersman, 2019).
Analysis of Egoism and Moral Skepticism
In ‘Egoism and Moral Skepticism’ by James Rachel, it is discussed that there are two
variants of egoism- Psychological egoism and Ethical egoism. The former deals with a
concept that every individual are selfish because they do things according to self-interest. On
the other hand, the later deals with the concept that an individual should do things according
to their own needs and feel obligated for that regardless of consequences it might have on
others. If analyzed, it can be found that it contains sort of honesty in it but if observed deeply,
it can provide a hint that human beings do not always become selfish doing their acts
(Rachels, 1971).
Examples of Moral Skepticism
Moral Skepticism is a theory that is meta-ethical where the stronger claims nobody
claims nobody has knowledge of morality. Strong convictions of moral are often expressed as
claims of knowledge by the individuals. An example of Moral Skepticism will be suppose
when an individual forgoes their self-enjoyment for helping others. It cannot be said that it is
an act regarding selfishness but might be considered a self-interest act. It is because of
interest of the individual is for the welfare of others then it is not considered be an act of

3An analysis of ‘Egoism and Moral Skepticism’ by James Rachel
selfishness. Again, if another example is taken like there is a matter about morality of war
then it can be said that war itself in its nature is immoral or contrasts as it is justified in some
cases, the morally skeptical people will say that there should be settled disagreements for
morality in regards to war. Therefore, it is very important to be capable enough to determine
which is right and which is wrong in case of disagreements because being diplomatic will not
provide any long lasting solution.
Possibilities of Morality
The sense of morality in humans turn out being an organ of complexity that is
considerable along with quirks reflecting the evolutionary history and foundations of
neurobiology. Research has yield ample amount of evidence that behavior of an individual
that reflects concern apparently for morally considerations. An organic way of interpreting
such intentions is to use a framework of economy that adds argument to the function of utility
so the agents have utility from both the outcomes that only yield benefits of own interest by
acting honestly, kindly or according to notion of something right. Such interpretations can
indeed be accounted for much of existing evidence that is empirical. For example, if someone
probably a student, says he or she does not want to do their homework, they are the ones who
have the ultimate power of choosing whether to do it or not and then suffer its consequences
accordingly. Therefore, the desire of doing the homework arises for their own sake. Another
rational example can be, knowing that getting up of the bed due to laziness might result in
skipping morning music classes for someone who is enthusiastic about music but he or she
will get up and eventually go for the music class because that is about maximizing their own
interest.

4An analysis of ‘Egoism and Moral Skepticism’ by James Rachel
Conclusion
Therefore, it can be concluded that morality and egoism plays an important role in
shaping the human minds. There are ethical and psychological ego present but both of them
more or less revolve around the same thing that is doing things for the sake of own interest
and even if somebody forgoes their interest and do something for the other then it might be
something related to their own benefits as well. The most important thing is doing deeds for
themselves morally and ethically. To be precise, it means even if someone is doing something
out of their own interest then it must be chosen morally keeping in mind the consequences.

5An analysis of ‘Egoism and Moral Skepticism’ by James Rachel
References
Overall, J. (2016). Unethical behavior in organizations: empirical findings that challenge CSR and
egoism theory. Business Ethics: A European Review, 25(2), 113-127.
Rachels, J. (1971). Egoism and moral skepticism. A New Introduction to Philosophy, ed. Steven M.
Cahn. New York: Harper and Row.
Risberg, O., & Tersman, F. (2019). A New Route from Moral Disagreement to Moral
Skepticism. Journal of the American Philosophical Association, 5(2), 189-207.