In: Nursing
Psychological Egoists say that behind every action that appears
to be altruistic there is really a selfish
motive. People help others because they believe it will
get them into heaven, or because it will bring them public
recognition, or because they enjoy the gratitude of those they
help, etc.
Psychological Egoism is a
descriptive theory, according to which each person in fact
pursues only his or her own self-interest.Ethical Egoism is a
prescriptive (or “normative”) theory, according to which
each person ought to pursue only his or her own
self-interest.
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 if it is not in accord with the subject's thinking..
3. Has the same logical basis as racism.
4. The egoist cannot advise others to be egoists because it works against the first egoist's interest.
5.No one person can expect the entire world’s population to act in such a way as to produce the most benefit (pleasure) for that one person.