Ethical Egoism and Psychological Egoism

Ethical Egoism and Psychological Egoism

ETHICAL EGOISM & PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM

The objective of this work is to identify and describe the theories of 'Ethical Egoism' and 'Psychological Egoism'. This work will identify and explain the fallacy of 'Psychological Egoism'. Further, this work will discuss the strong and weak version of 'Ethical Egoism'. The differences that exist between 'Ethical Egoism' and 'Psychological Egoism' will be discussed and the doctrines of motivation for each theory will be contrasted. This work will conclude with a brief discussion on the differences between selfishness and self-interest.

Ethical Egoism and Psychological Egoism Defined

Ethical Egoism is a theory of right and wrong based on the maximization of individual 'personal good'. Ethical Egoism claims three different views within the range of that which comprises the view of Ethical Egoism. Those three views are: (1) hedonistic; (2) eudemonistic; and (3) pluralistic. The hedonistic view is that only intrinsic pleasure is really desired while the eudemonistic view is that the only intrinsic good is derived from happiness. Finally, the pluralistic view is that a requirement for achieving intrinsic satisfaction that is good is that these things are comprised of a variety of good things. Psychological Egoism holds that in order for an individual to act on a voluntary basis then the individual's motivation must come from personal desires and that the individual's satisfaction is solely through fulfillment of those desires. This view holds that the individual actions are at all times driven by personal achievement of pleasure that is centric upon self.

II. Strong and Weak Version of Ethical Egoism

Weak Ethical Egoism holds that it is at all times the right thing to do to attempt to gain the greatest good for oneself and that it would not be inherently wrong to never do otherwise. (Baier, 1991, p.201) Strong Ethical Egoism holds that view that there are times when it is wrong to focus solely on one's own individual good yet one should always have ones' own good within focus. (Baier, 1991, p. 201)

III. Identify and Explain the Fallacy of Psychological Egoism

Thomas Hobbes stated: "But whatsoever is the object of any man's appetite or desire, that is it which he for his part calleth good: and the object of his hate and aversion, evil....For these words of good and evil... are ever used with relation to the person that useth them: there being nothing simply and absolutely so; nor any common rule of good and evil...." (Hobbes, 1968) p.21. In other words, it is by the fruits that the tree is known because the intent of the individual is that which gives meaning or power to word or deed or lends to good or evil. Others argue against Ethical Egoism. The work of Pecorino states as an argument against Ethical Egoism the facts as follows: Ethical Egoism "provides no moral basis for solving conflicts between people; (2) Ethical Egoism "obligates each person to prevent others from doing the right thing; (3) Has the same logical basis as racism"; (4) "The egoist cannot advise others to be egoists because it works against the first egoists interest"; and (5) "No one person can expect the entire world's population to act in such a way as to produce the most benefit (pleasure) for that one person." (2000)

IV. Contrast of Doctrines of Motivation

Ethical Egoism is driven from a different motivation that is Psychological Egoism in that Ethical Egoism holds a view that one should do what is ethical and what is in his own best interest simultaneously if possible while Psychological Egoism holds that self-interest is above all important above any ethical considerations to other human beings.

V. Discussion on Difference between Selfishness & Self-Interest