Question

Describe Ethical Egoist view on co-operation and self-sacrifice

Answer 1

• According to ethical egoism, you should only act in your self -interest. Ethical Egoists do not believe you should pursue the interests of others as well as your own interests, rather they believe you should only pursue your interests. An egoist believes that “What makes an action good is that it is good for me."
• Most egoists believe you should sometimes help and cooperate with others, but only because it is in your interest.The ethical egoist recognizes that the only thing you own is your life. There is nothing wrong with being selfish or self-interested because you are nurturing your only real possession.
• It is consistent with helping others and working in cooperation with others as long as it benefits you in someway. According to ethical egoism, it is right to help others because it is usually in your self-interest to help them.
• Ethical egoists can reply, however, that egoism generates many of the same duties to others. The argument runs as follows. Each person needs the cooperation of others to obtain goods such as defense or friendship. If I act as if I give no weight to others, others will not cooperate with me. If, say, I break my promises whenever it is in my direct self-interest to do so, others will not accept my promises, and may even attack me. I do best, then, by acting as if others have weight.
• The ethical egoist understands that long-term goals of family, home, career and financial security require sacrifice and effort.Ethical egoists argue that they are morally responsible because they take responsibility for themselves and their families.Ethical egoism does not prevent a person from sacrificing themselves for their ideals and responsibilities.As long as it is in line with their self interest they would sacrifice also,but only if they benefit from it.