Chapter 8 - Ethical Egoism

Front 1

Ethical Egoism

Back 1

The normative ethical theory that says that actions are morally right just because they maximize self-interest.

Front 2

The Self-Reliance Argument

Back 2

1. The most effective way of making everyone better off is for each person to mind his own business, and tend to only his own needs.

2. We ought to take the most effective path to making everyone better off.

3. Therefore, we each ought to mind our own business and tend only to our own needs.

Front 3

The Libertarian Argument

Back 3

We must fulfill our voluntary agreements, or repair the damage we've done, only when doing so is in our best interest. When it is not, we have no moral duty.

Front 4

Best Argument for Ethical Egoism

Back 4

1. If you are morally required to do something, then you have good reason to do it.

2. If there is good reason for you to do something, then doing it must make you better off.

3. Therefore, if you are morally required to do something, then doing it must make you better off.

Front 5

Three Problems for Ethical Egoism

Back 5

The three most serious problems for ethical egoism are (1) that it violates some of the deepest and most central moral beliefs we have, (2) that it cannot allow for the existence of moral rights; and (3) that it arbitrarily assigns self-interest complete priority over the interests of others.