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Virtue Ethics Beats Egoism
One of the reasons that philosophy is such a fascinating topic that has endured virtually throughout the course of human history is because it presents the crux of human existence in the basic forms of what is right and wrong. Moreover, there are a number of different philosophies that present alternative versions of what values encompass what is right and wrong. Two of the most eminent such philosophies include egoism, championed by Ayn Rand, and virtue ethics, supported by Aristotle. Examining those philosophies with inheritance examples proves virtue ethics is better. One of the chief proponents of this theory is Ayn Rand, who believed that it is natural for people to think about themselves and act for their own advantage prior to doing so for others. There are limits, of course, to this aspect of egoism, in which individuals act in their own interest as long as such actions are rational. Still, there is no denying that certain facets of this philosophy are self-centered, if not outright selfish.
Inheritance itself is the basic notion pertaining to the concept of personal property, and is inherently linked to capitalism (Haslett 143). Essentially, inheritance means that after an individual dies, his or her personal property goes to someone else. There are a variety of laws surrounding this particular issue. In certain instances, people must take action so that the state does not inherit their property. Still, the basic idea is that what one has will go to another after he or she dies. Frequently, it is advantageous to bequeath one's property to others so that one can dictate who inherits one's property.
When applying egoism to inheritance, it is necessary to remember that the basic principle of this philosophy is to act in one's own rational self-interest. A good example of an egoist perspective of inheritance is of an uncle who, when making up his or her will, decides to bequeath his property to his personal favorite of his eight children. Even though the uncle has another child who could really use his property, the uncle acts in his own self-interest and wills it to his favorite.
Virtue ethics is distinct from Egoism in one really vital way. Virtue ethics is based on the role of character and virtue in determining what sorts…
Works Cited
Morality as Universal.
Haslett. Justice and Economic Distribution.
Thereafter, she published her own work and lectured on the Objectivist moral ethic to which she often referred to as "a philosophy for living on earth" based on rational self-interest and the balance between the needs of the individual and moral principles based on a commitment to objective situational perception and analysis (Merrill, 1998). In principle, Objectivism maintains that self-interest or rational egoism is a valid perspective but that the individual's
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Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand The Rationalization and Pursuit of Self-interest of Humanity in "The Virtue of Selfishness" by Ayn Rand Ayn Rand's collection of essays in the book "The Virtue of Selfishness" provides insightful thoughts about the emergence of rationalization and individualism within the individual. The author discusses how the dawn of humankind had already seen the emergence of individualism and rationalization. It is only in the process of
Anthem, the author Ayn Rand once again examines the conflict between the individual and society. The story occurs in a fictional location and society where the individual possess no rights. It is the responsibility of the individual to serve the state and any form of independent thinking or action is strictly prohibited. Against this background, the hero of the story, Equality 7-2521, emerges as an intelligent young man who