Ethical Egoism & Personality: A Study

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In summary, ethical egoism can either lead to a healthy or unhealthy personality depending on the version being followed. The sophisticated version acknowledges the importance of nourishing relationships and virtues such as honesty and compassion in achieving self-interest. However, ethical egoism should not be confused with the belief that whatever one can do is morally permissible. It simply means that one should act in their own self-interest, which may not always involve using force or might to get what one wants. The question remains whether there are any rational constraints on self-interest.
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ifyco10
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Does Ethical egoism requires we have the kind of disposition which is incompatible with our having a healthy personality.
 
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That depends on whether the version of Ethical Egoism you're talking about is sophisticated or naive. Suppose an ethical egoist realizes that he will be most happy if he has nourishing, intimate relationships, and is able to pursue his ends in cooperation with others. Suppose, further, that he thereby endeavors to cultivate within himself certain virtues, such as honesty and compassion (because they are necessary pre-conditions for achieving the goods above). This sophisticated egoist may indeed have a healthy personality, even though the ultimate reason he develops such a personality is to pursue his self-interest.
 
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What part of ethical egoism is not the same as might makes right?
 
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Chronos said:
What part of ethical egoism is not the same as might makes right?

None of it. Ethical egoism is not synonymous with the doctrine "whatever you can do is morally permissible to do." Ethical egoism is the doctrine that you ought to do what is in your self-interest. The use of force, even to gain something that you want, may not actually be in your self-interest, hence it may not be permissible according to ethical egoism. The question is: Are there any rational constraints on self-interest?
 

What is Ethical Egoism?

Ethical egoism is a normative ethical theory that holds that individuals should act in their own self-interest, regardless of the consequences for others. It is based on the idea that people are inherently self-interested and that it is morally right to pursue one's own self-interest.

How does Ethical Egoism differ from other ethical theories?

Unlike other ethical theories, such as utilitarianism or deontology, ethical egoism focuses solely on the individual's self-interest rather than the greater good or moral duty. It also does not take into account the well-being of others, which can lead to conflicts with other ethical principles.

What are the main criticisms of Ethical Egoism?

One of the main criticisms of Ethical Egoism is that it can lead to a disregard for the well-being of others and promote selfish and harmful behavior. It also does not provide a clear framework for making moral decisions and can lead to conflicting interests among individuals. Additionally, it does not account for the fact that individuals can have different ideas of what their self-interest is.

How does personality play a role in Ethical Egoism?

Personality can play a significant role in Ethical Egoism, as individuals with certain personality traits, such as narcissism or psychopathy, may be more likely to prioritize their own self-interest over the well-being of others. However, an individual's personality does not determine their ethical beliefs and actions, as they can still choose to act in ways that go against their personality traits.

Can Ethical Egoism be applied in practical situations?

While Ethical Egoism may offer a theoretical framework for making ethical decisions, it can be difficult to apply in practical situations. This is because individuals may have conflicting self-interests and it can be challenging to determine whose self-interest takes priority. Additionally, it does not take into account the complexities of real-life situations and the impact of one's actions on others.

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