Ethical egoism and criminal justice system foundations

Ethical Egoism in the Criminal Justice System

Running Page: SELF-INTEREST FIRST?

Ethical Egoism

This is a sub-theory of the Consequentialism, which states that an action is morally right if its consequences are more favorable than unfavorable (Fieser, 2009). Consequentialist theories attained popularity in the 18th century in answer to the search for a quick way of determining the morality of an action through experience rather than by intuition or an enumeration of duties. The subdivisions of consequentialism include ethical egoism, a theory, which holds that an action is morally right if the consequences are more favorable than unfavorable to its doer (Fieser).

English philosopher Thomas Hobbes advocated that it is better to live in a world with moral rules than one without but for purely selfish reasons (Fieser, 2009). If moral rules did not exist, the person will be subject to the will of other people and their selfish interests. That will put everyone else at risk. But selfishness will incline a person to establish rules on which a civilized community may be built. These rules will forbid lying, stealing and killing. If these rules were constantly enforced, the safety of everyone will be insured. This motivation will lead to the creation of a police force, which will arrest violators of these rules, and a justice system, which will punish violators (Fieser).

Moral Basis

Ethical egoism states that the promotion of one's own good is moral (Moseley, 2005). It is always moral to promote one's own good and never moral not to do so. People have different reasons or motives for their actions but they always act according to those reasons or motives. They may perform the act directly for themselves or indirectly for someone else, for God or for the world. But ethical egoism asserts that people necessarily and ultimately act out of self-interest and never in complete disregard of his self-interest.

In clearer terms, this theory argues that what is good for survival and personal happiness is necessarily moral (Cengage, 2013). Morality is thus premised on one's survival and personal happiness. It follows that people should behave in a way that they deem beneficial for themselves. They need not consider the rights of others for the same conviction. It claims that it is not only immoral but also impossible to act out of a completely selfless act. It perceives even those who sacrifice their lives for others do so from an expectation of some benefit or reward in the life hereafter (Cengage).

Egoism takes other forms or variants, such as psychological, enlightened and practical egoism (Cengage, 2013). Psychological egoism views human beings as natural egoists who are instinctively acting for survival, self-interest and self-preservation. It is not only moral to egoistic but also natural or inborn. Altruistic people who give or volunteer for charity actually seek the psychic and emotional pleasure derived from the act rather than from any selfless reason. Heroes who risk their lives do so because of the greater pleasure they derive from the rush of adrenaline than from the demands of security and safety. Enlightened egoism maintains that people do acts that will redound to their long-term advantage or welfare. They may treat others fairly only to receive fair treatment and cooperation from them in return. It emphasizes that even seemingly selfless and altruistic acts are ultimately egoistic in that they are performed for the doer's benefit through reciprocal help in the future. And practical egoism was a contribution of Adam Smith who argued that people who seek their own personal good are actually contributing national prosperity. Capitalist tenets are premised on self-interest as the basis for a healthy and prosperous economy. It would drive workers to work harder in order to earn more and employers to be fair with their workers in order to retain them. It is only when ill-motivated people disturb this balance does capitalism fail to produce the best outcomes. Most philosophers, however, reject egoism or ethical egoism as it violates the foundations of an ethical system. Two persons to both maximize their respective self-interests will lead to conflict. Moreover, egoism inclines towards the exploitation of the weak. When a person is caught performing an illegal act or an act violating a professional code of ethics, it is almost always because of egoistic behavior that he committed it (Cengage).

Gun Control and Ethical Egoism

Law enforcers are allowed to carry weapons to use in the performance of their duty to arrest suspects and to protect themselves from criminal elements. Other individuals are also permitted to bear arms for justifiable reasons, mainly for protection, such as treasurers, bodyguards and prosecution witnesses in criminal cases. But the possession of weapons has not been totally strictly controlled. In many cases, they fall into the hands of criminals themselves or accidentally hurt or destroy persons at home like children. Although gun control laws have been in force to limit the un-authorized proliferation of weapons, the debate on the wisdom of gun control laws continues. Some oppose stricter laws while some press for them for a more peaceful society,

Opposition to Gun Control Laws

It is a Constitutionally-recognized and fundamental civil right to own guns (Goodman, 2013). The courts have upheld this right in many occasions. Gun ownership is also imperative for legitimate purposes by individuals, like hunting and self-defense. Guns can stop criminals and reduce crimes, especially in crime-infested areas. Women who own them can also be an equalizing force against stronger men who may attack them. As a rule, military groups and individuals who own guns provide security for the nation against tyranny and external attacks. If there were no guns to protect the American people, they would be easily defeated by these elements. And restricting gun ownership will not deter criminals who can always use other deadly weapons, like knives and chemicals (Goodman).

Guns and Ethical Egoism

Carrying and using guns are primarily intended for self-protection, which is basic human right. Self-protection, survival and self-interest are the objectives of ethical egoism and considered moral and natural. If these were the only reasons why guns are used by those authorized to carry and use them, there will be no need for gun control laws. The problem is that, due to their accessibility, they are used for settling situations not within the scope of duty. They also fall into the hands of those not authorized to use them, like members of the household, and cause unnecessary fatalities or injuries.