Ethical egoism is the opinion that individuals should follow their own interests and that no one has any responsibility to promote the interests of others. As a result, it is a normative or prescriptive concept focused on how individuals should conduct themselves. In this regard, ethical egoism differs from psychological egoism, which holds that all of our behaviors are fundamentally motivated by self-interest (Moseley, 2005). According to Teachphilosophy, the key points of egoism are concentrated on “acting on self-interest, and not arbitrary feelings”, as much as helping only oneself, not others (Teachphilosophy, 2014, 0:16). Hume contends that one’s own interest is diametrically opposed to moral impulses that could interest one in sympathy for others and inspire one’s activities for others (Moseley, 2005). Meanwhile, in The wealth of nations by Adam Smith, the writer highlights the public advantages that emerge from self-interested action (Moseley, 2005).
Ring of Gyges
While ethical egoism focuses on self-interest and disregarding the interests of others, psychological egoism is centered around actions or behavior that can bring benefits (Moseley, 2005). Glaucon argues that humans exercise justice in order to escape the punishment that would result if they disregarded society’s rules (Plato, 2007). As a result, it is in man’s interest to respect the law because they are afraid of the repercussions if they are found breaking the law. Glaucon’s explanation is consistent with a number of ethical theories, including psychological and ethical egoism. In essence, he believed that all humans are greedy, self-interested, and selfish. As a result, Glaucon endorses the notion that individuals only act righteously whenever they feel it will help them achieve positive goals for themselves and that humans are psychological egoists rather than ethical ones.
References
Moseley, A. (2005). Egoism. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Plato. (2007). The Republic. Penguin Classics.
Teachphilosophy. (2014). Ethical Egoism Lecture [Video]. YouTube. Web.