Ethical Egoism
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Ethical egoism
Explanation of the theory
This moral theory states that everyone should act in their own self-interest. Even though we can act in the interests of others, we should always act only in our own interests. Ethical egoist may help their friends if they believe there is a long-term payoff or benefit doing so.
Ones self-interest is often best followed by allowing others to pursue their self-interest as well. Sacrificing ones short-term self-interest in order to maximize ones long-term self-interest is known as “rational self-interest.”
There are three types of egoism:
Personal Ethical Egoism
“I am going to act only in my own interest, and everyone else can do whatever they want.”
Individual Ethical Egoism
“Everyone should act in my own interest.”
Universal Ethical Egoism
“Each individual should act in his or her own self interest.”
My view about the theory
I believe that its a situational theory that depends on the circumstances surrounding the issue, although people ought to maximize their own good, they seldom try to do so.
I dont think that this apply all the time because if it did then its going to result some problems as every individual would act in his/her interest which is not logical.
If everyone is a consistent egoist, the egoist wont get the help they or others need. So in the interests of self-interest,