ETHICAL EGOISM
An action is morally right if and only if it is to the advantage of the
person doing it.
ARGUMENTS FOR ETHICAL EGOISM
1. An altruistic moral theory that demands total self-sacrifice is degrading to
the moral agent.
Objection: This is a false dilemma: there are many non-egoistic moral theories
that do not demand total self-sacrifice.
2. Everyone is better off if each pursues his or her self-interest.
Objection: (a) This probably is not true in practice; and (b) True egoism isn't
concerned with what will make everyone better off.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST ETHICAL EGOISM
1. Provides no moral basis for solving conflicts between people.
2. Obligates each person to prevent others from doing the right thing.
3. Has the same logical basis as racism.