Adding to this confusion is the fact that ethical egoists often base ethical egoism on the fact that psychological egoism is true. Ethical egoism is a normative ethical theory, like actutilitarianism. Thirteen thoughtprovoking chapters introduce readers to major moral concepts and theories in philosophy through clear, understandable explanations. Rachels states that most philosophers dismiss ethical egoism, and there isnt anyone who is seriously defending it. Psychological egoism is the view that all men are selfish in everything that they do, that is, that the only motive from which anyone ever acts is selfinterest. The elements of moral philosophy by james rachels and stuart rachels is a bestselling text for undergraduate courses in ethics. The ethical theory known as ethical egoism states that we are always morally required to do whats in our own selfinterest. These two ethical standpoints are different in that psychological egoism is more about how people think while ethical egoism is about how people ought to think.
This essay originally appeared in the encyclopedia of ethics, 2nd edition, ed. Ethical egoism states that we should put ourselves and our interests before those of others leading to the conclusion that. Ethical egoism is the normative ethical position that moral agents ought to do what is in their in the words of james rachels, ethical egoism endorses selfishness, but it doesnt endorse. Ethical egoism is a theory about how people ought to act. James rachelsethical egoism we will examine the most important arguments for and against it. Elements of moral philosophy by james rachels 4th edition. Terms in this set 9 rachels claims that ethical egoism is unacceptably arbitrary. This worries me, because normally when im at odds with the people actually educated in a subject i try to figure out why im wrong. We have no moral duty except to do what is best for ourselves. The writing is clear and historically informed, the main schools of thought are covered, and rachels doesnt pretend that hes found all the answers to very difficult questions. Ethical egoism is the normative ethical position that moral agents ought to act in their own selfinterest. Ethical egoism also differs from rational egoism, which holds that it is rational to act in ones selfinterest. Ethical egoism is, by contrast, a normative view about how men ought to act.
Psychological egoism an action is altruistic when it involves making a personal sacrifice for the benefit of others. For its most recent presentation, see rachels and rachels 2019. Kay according to james rachels, there are two egos that need to be discussed and refuted. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
In the elements of moral philosophy, james and stuart rachels gives the following definitions. In egoism and moral skepticism by james rachels, the moral ideas of psychological egoism and ethical egoism are explained. See james rachelss chapter on ethical egoism in e elements of moral. Rather, i will argue that even if ethical egoism is a logically consistent doctrine, it is unacceptable on other. In his essay ethical egoism, james rachels evenhandedly considers several arguments for and against ethical egoism the moral position that one only ought to do what is in ones best interests before concluding that only his own argument against ethical egoism is fully sound. Ethical egoism claims that each person ought to pursue his or her own selfinterest exclusively. It is natural to be principally interested in the welfare of others descriptive claim ethical altruism.
By nature, human beings do, as a matter of fact, tend to behave in whatever way they perceive as best promoting their own. Rachels egoism and moral skepticism provides us with strong arguments in favor of psychological and ethical egoism, which he effectively refutes by highlighting their weaknesses. Psychological egoism, by contrast, asserts that each person does in fact pursue his or her own selfinterest exclusively. Ethical egoism and psychological egoism definitions. Looking out for oneself ones own interests and looking out for others interests 2. It is the view that, regardless of how men do in fact behave, they have no obliga tion. Theory and practice the idea that some things are fine in theory, but do not work in practice, was already an. Chapter 5 e thical egoism the achievement of his own happiness is.
Another argument against egoism, from james rachels james rachels 19412003 a says egoism involves a unique form. Many college philosophy classes today discuss ethical egoism. Chapter 5 of the elements of moral philosophy ethical egoism. Pdf selfinterest, ethical egoism, and the restored gospel. But their account of ayn rands objectivist ethical theory and. A critique of rachels argument against ethical egoism. These two ethical standpoints are different in that psychological egoism is more about how people think while ethical egoism is. James rachels describes the ethical theory of selfishness, ethical egoism, in his piece titled ethical egoism.
One has an obligation to pursue the interests of others one may even be required to sacrifice ones own. The elements of moral philosophy ebook download free pdf. Reprinted in james rachels, the legacy of socrates. Ethical egoism rejects ordinary assumption that other peoples interests count for their own sake.
Ethical egoism is the normative ethical position that moral agents ought to act in their own. Many take as their main source the work of james and stuart rachels, in their book, the elements of moral philosophy. In egoism and moral skepticism, james rachels takes aim at egoism and suggests that it is actually a disturbing doctrine. In the selec tion that follows, james rachels, whose work we read previously, con siders both psychological and ethical egoism, concluding that neither is acceptable. Rachels also said that to say that any action or policy of action is right entails that it is. What we know of another lifeand we can come to know a lot and empathize with many conditions and understand motivations for action, etc. James rachels and stuart rachels the elements of moral. It is generally agreed that this sort of unselfish behavior is sometimes required by morality, although there is considerable disagreement as to how much of it is required.
This essay explores ethical egoism and the main arguments for. Whatever plausibility psychological egoism has as a psychological theory should not be confused with. The elements of moral philosophy on ethical egoism. Each person ought to pursue his or her selfinterest exclusively.
Rachels argues that ethical egoism cannot provide solutions for conflicts of interest we need moral rules because our interests some times come into conflict read pg 91 booklet and summarise in your own words this argument 16. Oxford university press usa publishes scholarly works in all academic disciplines, bibles, music, childrens books, business books, dictionaries, reference. The elements of moral philosophy is a fabulous, nontechnical introduction to ethics. If it turns out to be true, then of course that is immensely important. But even if it turns out to be false, there is still much to be learned from examining it, for. Ethical egoism is the radical idea that the principle of selfinterest accounts for all of ones moral obligations sometimes ones interests may happen to coincide with the interests of othersin that by helping oneself, one will coincidentally help them, too. If ethical egoism is 7true, not only can you permissibly take the wallet and rob someone, you must. Egoism has two views, the psychological egoism and ethical egoism. Throughout my argument i will refer to thomas hobbes idea of social contract theory explained in depth in james rachels book the elements of moral philosophy as it is an. The main philosopher referenced in the rachels discussion of ethical egoism in elements is ayn rand. Psychological egoism before we discuss ethical egoism, we should discuss a theory it is often confused withpsychological egoism. James rachels two arguments against ethical egoism 1.
Philosopher james rachelsin an essay that takes as its title the theorys name, outlines the three arguments most commonly touted in its favor. Another argument against egoism, from james rachels. Altruism normative and descriptive ethical theories commonsense view of morality. Egoism is a teleological theory of ethicist that sets its goal the benefit, pleasure, or greatest good of oneself alone. How is this claim related to one of the claims for or against ethical egoism that. The view isnt that we are selfishthis is psychological egoismbut that we ought to be. It differs from psychological egoism, which claims that people can only act in their selfinterest. Before reading, i was naive and therefore indifferent to these concepts of egoism. One has an obligation to pursue solely what is best for oneself normative claim psychological altruism. However, not for lack of trying, i still cant be convinced of any ethical theory other than egoism. He says that egoists are forgetting how fundamental sympathy is to the. This argument was developed by james rachels 19412003. Start studying chapter 5 of the elements of moral philosophy ethical egoism.
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