Egoism VS Universalism In Ethics | California State University, Northridge

University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
PSY 150 | Introduction to Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

352

Pages:

1
Author:

JJIssac

EGOISM VS UNIVERSALISM IN ETHICS Ethical Egoism Right to pursue one's own self-interest Represented in theories of Hobbes, Rand, Libertarians Few normative theories explicitly egoistic Universalism Considers interests of all affected Theories of Hume, Kant, Mill, Hegel Realistic given human altruism and cooperation Flawed Opposition Between Egoism and Altruism Altruism is not opposite of egoism, universalism is Concern for others can coincide with self-interest Evidence Against Extreme Self-Interest People often exaggerate self-interest motives Altruism may be natural and evolutionarily adaptive Many successful people engage in altruism Dangers of Unrestrained Egoism Can undermine social cooperation needed for human thriving pendant Excessive self-interest evident in some current events In summary, ethical egoism posits the right to pursue self-interest, while universalismconsiders all interests. This dichotomy is flawed given human altruism. Unrestrainedegoism threatens social cooperation needed for human flourishing. Document Outline