IV. Ethical Egoism
The rough idea behind ethical egoism is that the right thing to do is to look out for your own self-interest.We are morally required only to make ourselves as happy as possible.We have no moral obligations to others. Ayn Rand seems to endorse this idea in the following passages:
"By the grace of reality and the nature of life, man -- every man -- is an end in himself, he exists for his own sake, and the achievement of his own happiness is his highest moral purpose" (Pojman, p. 74).
"Accept the fact that the achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness -- not pain or mindless self-indulgence -- is the proof of your moral integrity ... " (Pojman, 77).
Let's make these rough thoughts more clear; let's formulate a criterion of moral rightness based on Rand's ideas.
A. Formulating Ethical Egoism (EEh)
- Alternative: the alternatives that some agent has at some time are the actions that are open to the agent at that time; they are her "options"; two actions are alternatives to one another when an agent can do either one of them, but not both of them. - Consequences: the consequences of a given act are the things that would happen "as a result" of the act, if it were performed. Note that some subsequent event is a consequence of an act whether it is near in space and time or far away; whether it is something that the agent of the act could reasonably anticipate or not; whether it involves the agent of the act or some distant stranger.
Our version of egoism is going to be a form of consequentialism. A normative theory is a form of consequentialism insofar as it implies that facts about the consequences determine the normative status of acts.
(This leaves open just what it is about the consequences that determine an act's normative status.Our version of egoism will say that it is the pleasure and pain that befall the agent of the act that are relevant.So we need to say a few words about pleasure and pain.)
Some assumptions about pleasure and pain: - they are feelings, or sensations - each episode of pleasure or pain has an intensity and a duration; these factors determine the amountof pleasure or pain in the episode - the hedon is the unit of measurement of pleasure; the number of hedons in an episode of pleasure is determined by the intensity and duration of the episode of pleasure - the dolor is the unit of measurement of pain; the number of dolors in an episode of pleasure is determined by the intensity and duration of the episode of pain - Pleasures and pains are "commensurable"; that is, if some pleasure contains the same number of hedons as some pain contains dolors, then we can say that there is an much pleasure in the episode of pleasure as there is pain in the episode of pain.(This assumption will enable us to add and subtract pleasure and pains, like the assets and liabilities on an accountant's balance sheet.)
We can now define hedonic agent utility as the total number of hedons of pleasure that the agent of the act would feel as a consequence of the act if it were performed, minus the total number of dolors of pain that the agent of the act would feel as a consequence of the act if it were performed.
In more rough terms, to the hedonic agent utility of some alternative is how good the alternative would be for the agent, pleasure-pain-wise.
The last concept is that of maximizing: we say that an act maximizes hedonic agent utility when no alternative to that act has a higher hedonic agent utility than it has.
Finally, we can state the theory, EEh (Ethical Egoism, of a hedonistic sort):
EEh: An act is morally right if and only if it maximizes hedonic agent utility.
So this theory is saying that an act is right when there is nothing else the agent could do on that occasion that would lead to a consequence that would be better for him in terms of pleasure and pain.
B. Common Misconceptions about Egoism
1. Immediate Gratification
Egoism is not the doctrine that we should indulge in as much pleasure we can in the short run, without a care for what happens to us in the long run.And EEh does not imply this because, in order to calculate the hedonic agent utility of an action, you need to figure in all the pleasure and pains that would result, no matter how down the line in the future.
2. No Altruism
Egoism also does not imply that we should never act altruistically. Rather, it implies that we may act for the benefit of others so long as that act also maximizes our own hedonic utility. (See Feldman p. 83 for further discussion.)
3. Psychological Egoism
EEh is a doctrine in ethics, a theory about what we morally ought to do. However, there is another doctrine -- a doctrine in psychology -- that sometimes goes by the name of "egoism". This other doctrine, "Psychological Egoism," is a view about how human beings happen to be set up, psychologically speaking. It is not a view at all about what we morally ought to do. Psychological Egoism says that we human beings in fact always pursue our own well-being. That is, we always choose the act that we think will be best for us. We are motivated only by the desire for pleasure and an aversion to pain.
C. Arguments for EEh
1. Closet Utilitarian Argument
The Closet Utilitarian Argument (from Feldman, p. 86) (1) If people act in such a way as to maximize their own self-interest, then humanity will be better off as a whole. (2) People ought to act in whatever way will lead to the betterment of humanity as a whole. (3) Therefore, people ought to act in such a way as to maximize their own self-interest; in other words, egoism is true.
Criticism of premise (1): - Feldman's case of the selfish art lover (pp. 85-86). - The "Tragedy of the Commons"; the "Prisoner's Dilemma"
Criticism of premise (2): - See Feldman, p. 87.
D. Arguments Against EEh
1. Moore's; Baier's; The Promulgation Argument
(see Feldman, Ch. 6)
2. Feldman's Refutation of EEh
Feldman's Refutation of EEh 1. If EEh is true, then it is morally right for the man to steal the money from the pension fund. 2. It is not right for the man to steal the money from the pension fund. 3. Therefore, EEh is not true.
Imagine a treasurer of large pension fund. He is entrusted with keeping track of and investing the retirement savings of all the workers at a company. He discovers, however, that it would be possible for him to steal all the money in the fund and get away with it, leaving all the workers who worked hard to save their money out of luck. Suppose he does this and succeeds, escaping to a South Sea Island to live out the rest of his days indulging in idle pleasure (at the expense of the workers he screwed back home).
Egoism implies that the fact that this action screws over the workers back home is irrelevant. All that is relevant is whether this action is most in the interests of the treasurer. Well, to see exactly what EEh will have to say about this case, we should fill in the details. Here are the treasurer's alternatives:
The man's alternativeshedonic agent utility a1: steal the money+10,000 a2: leave the money where it is-3
Let's say these are his two main alternatives at the time. EEh implies that it would be morally acceptable for this guy to steal the money. Why? -- because this act maximizes hedonic agent utility.That is, if he were to perform it, he would get a greater balance of pleasure over pain than he would get if he were to do any of his alternatives.
So we get premise 1:
1. If EEh is true, then it is morally right for the man to steal the money from the pension fund.
But this is clearly not right. EEh is mistaken in this verdict. This act is cruel and selfish. It is utterly immoral. Most everyone, I take it, would be prepared to condemn this man for his actions; and we would think it would be appropriate to punish for his ruthless deeds. So we get premise 2:
2. It is not right for the man to steal the money from the pension fund.
From these two premises, this follows:
3. Therefore, EEh is not true.
This argument is valid: the conclusion follows logically from the premises. The first premise is clearly true. I also think the second premise is true. I think people behave immorally when they do this. Maybe Ayn Rand is willing to accept this consequence. I myself cannot.Can you?
Original post:
Ethical Egoism - spot.colorado.edu
- Egoism | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2016]
- PHILOSOPHY Ethics [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism - Seven Pillars Institute [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2016]
- Egoism | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2016]
- Ethical egoism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2016]
- Ethics Updates - Ethical Egoism [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism - Drury University [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2016]
- Dr. Charles Kay Egoism [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism - Lander University [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2016]
- The Differences Between Utilitarianism & Ethical Egoism [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2016]
- Ethical egoism - RationalWiki [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2016]
- The Differences Between Utilitarianism & Ethical Egoism [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2016]
- Ayn Rand - Ethical Egoism [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism - Carnegie Mellon University [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism - University of Colorado Boulder [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism and Biblical Self-Interest | Papers at ... [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2016]
- Psychological Egoism vs Ethical Egoism | Flow Psychology [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism and Biblical Self-Interest | Papers at ... [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2016]
- Psychological Egoism vs Ethical Egoism | Flow Psychology [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Psychological Egoism - Philosophy Home Page [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Egoism - Queensborough Community College [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism - College Essays - 1656 Words - StudyMode [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Egoism - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Dave's Philosophy - Ethics: Ethical Egoism & Altruism [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism - Education [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2016]
- Ethical Egoism - Mega Essays [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2016]
- Rational egoism - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Psychological Egoism - University of Idaho [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Psychological Egoism | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Comparing Psychological & Ethical Egoism - Study.com [Last Updated On: December 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2016]
- Consequentialism - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2016]
- More than a game: ND Ethics Week examines sports and the common good - ND Newswire [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- THE BACKSTORY: How Trump got to yes on Gorusch -- PLAYBOOK EXCLUSIVE: PETRAEUS warns US ... - Politico [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Lecture series explores ethics in sports industry - Observer Online [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- The Weakness and wickedness of Kiir's Administration: South Sudan in political and ethnic crisis - Borglobe [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Rebel Crossings by Sheila Rowbotham review feminist utopian dreams - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Human Nature, Morality, & Salvation Jewish Theology Pt. IV - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- A Jewish Social Vision Jewish Theology, Pt. VI - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Reinhold Niebuhr and our common good - Bowling Green Daily News [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2017]
- Pope Francis, Religion, Capitalism, and Ayn Rand - The Objective Standard [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- In defence of hedonism - Irish Times [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- Ahmad Zahid: Satirism is not a Malaysian culture - Yahoo News - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2017]
- Debate: Is Ayn Rand right about rights? - Learn Liberty (blog) [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2017]
- Here's What Happens When the US and Mexico Fight - Americas Quarterly [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2017]
- Psychological Egoism and Ethical Egoism [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Ethical issues in Nigeria's higher education and governance - Nigeria Today [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Are These 5 Grievances About Millennials Character Strengths? - monroviaweekly [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' Season Three Proves It's The Smartest Show On Television - Decider [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Are These 5 Grievances About Millennials Character Strengths? - Siera Madre Weekly [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Considerations for Planning Humanitarian Operations in Hybrid Warfare - smallwarsjournal [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Why Is It Difficult to Live Together in Differences? (A Reflection) - Netralnews [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Free ethical relativism Essays and Papers - 123helpme [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- 'Wounded but not dead' Cassola says AD right in not joini... - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Mailbag: The limits of ethical egoism - Albany Democrat Herald [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- Orwell vs Huxley vs Zamyatin: Who would win a dystopian fiction contest? - Scroll.in [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2017]
- egoism | philosophy | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2017]
- IDF Medics to Learn Groundbreaking Trauma Procedure - Breaking Israel News [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2017]
- The Courage to Face a Lifetime: On the Enduring Value of Ayn Rand's Philosophy - IAI News [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2017]
- On Albert Einstein's peaceful musings - The Livingston County News [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2017]
- Egoism: Examples and Definition | Philosophy Terms [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2017]
- You say you want a revolution - Boulder Weekly [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- US Expels Cuban Diplomats for Threatening National Security - Headlinez Pro [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Beyond the chorus of indignation - The Jerusalem Post [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- mile Durkheim and the Religion of Liberal Democracy - Tablet Magazine [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2019]
- What Is Ethical Egoism? - ThoughtCo [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2019]
- Ethical Egoism Theory Explained - HRF [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2020]
- 15 Important Pros and Cons of Ethical Egoism ConnectUS [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2020] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2020]
- On the Mode of Existence of Smart Urban Object - ArchDaily [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- Vladimir Putin: The real lessons of the 75th anniversary of World War II - The New Times [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2020]
- 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory: Shared Responsibility to History and our Future - New Europe [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2020]
- The Difference Between Ethical Egoism & Ethical ... [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2020]
- Book Review: Philanthropy - Can the rich save the world? - Independent Catholic News [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2021]
- North Korea criticises nations for piling up the excessive supply of COVID-19 vaccines - WION [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2021]
- Global Ethical Responsibility in the Context of Covid - Valdai Discussion Club [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2021]
- Religious Diversity And Religious Revival Will Come Together OpEd - Eurasia Review [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2021]
- The Goal of Yoga - Daily Pioneer [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2021]
- My daughter no longer speaks to me or my husband, and mocked our family values. Do we cut her out of her $2 million inheritance? - MarketWatch [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2021]
- Ch. 3: Ethical Egoism - Lucid Philosophy [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2021]
- What Is Ethical Egoism and its Examples Example | GraduateWay [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2021]
- 10 Denim Industry Experts on the Highs, Lows and Predictions for 2022 - Sourcing Journal [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2022] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2022]