CPA Ethical Egoism (Outdated)

Summary

Ethical egoism is a normative theory that posits pursuing self-interest is ethically correct, as it assumes everyone acts in their own self-interest. It is a subset of teleological theories, focusing on the consequences of actions rather than intentions. Unlike psychological egoism, which describes how people actually behave, ethical egoism prescribes how they should act. The theory distinguishes between self-interest, which is pursuing actions that benefit oneself, and selfishness, which disregards the values and well-being of others. Enlightened self-interest suggests making informed decisions that consider both present and future benefits, promoting a balance between personal gain and ethical behavior.

Takeaways

• 📚 Ethical egoism is a normative theory that suggests acting in one's self-interest is ethically correct.
• 🔍 It is a subset of teleological theories, which focus on the consequences of actions rather than the intentions behind them.
• 🤔 Ethical egoism assumes that everyone naturally acts in their own self-interest, guiding how people should behave.
• 🏖 In the example of Sam, ethical egoism would justify him going on a holiday over volunteering, as it aligns with his self-interest.
• 🚫 Ethical egoism should not be confused with psychological egoism, which describes how people actually behave, not how they should.
• 🤝 The pursuit of self-interest does not equate to selfishness; it's about making decisions that benefit oneself without disregard for others.
• 👫 Sharing the Lego set in the example illustrates that acting in self-interest can also maintain and strengthen relationships.
• 💡 Enlightened self-interest involves being aware and informed about how one's actions can benefit both present and future self-interests.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents can guide children to understand enlightened self-interest, teaching them the long-term benefits of sharing over selfishness.
• 🔄 Ethical egoism is a nuanced concept that differentiates between immediate self-interest and the broader implications of one's actions on personal ethics.

Q & A

What is ethical egoism?

Ethical egoism is a normative theory that posits acting in one's own self-interest is ethically correct, assuming that everyone naturally acts in their own self-interest.

How does ethical egoism fit within the broader categories of normative theories?

Ethical egoism is a subset of teleological theories, which focus on the consequences and outcomes of actions rather than intentions.

What is the difference between ethical egoism and psychological egoism?

Psychological egoism describes how people actually behave, focusing on the fact that individuals typically act in their own self-interest. In contrast, ethical egoism is a normative theory that prescribes how people should behave, suggesting that it is ethical to act in one's self-interest.

Is it acceptable to act in one's self-interest according to ethical egoism?

Yes, according to ethical egoism, it is not only acceptable but also ethically correct to make decisions or choose actions that benefit oneself.

What is the example given in the script to illustrate ethical egoism?

The script presents a scenario where Sam must decide between using his savings for a beach holiday or volunteering to teach English in Africa. Ethical egoism would justify Sam choosing the holiday as it aligns with his self-interest.

How does the script differentiate between self-interest and selfishness?

Self-interest, as viewed by ethical egoism, involves making decisions that result in net benefits for the decision-maker. It is not synonymous with selfishness, which disregards the values and feelings of others and lacks concern for fairness.

What is enlightened self-interest and how does it relate to ethical egoism?

Enlightened self-interest is an extension of self-interest where a person is aware and informed about the long-term consequences of their actions. It suggests that acting in one's self-interest can also benefit others and society at large, leading to a more harmonious outcome.

In the Lego set example, how does ethical egoism influence John's decision to share with Paul?

Ethical egoism would suggest that John might choose to share his Lego set with Paul because it could maintain their friendship and ensure that John is also allowed to play with Paul's toys in the future, thus serving his self-interest.

What are the potential benefits of acting in enlightened self-interest according to the script?

The script implies that acting in enlightened self-interest can lead to maintaining relationships, fostering a sense of fairness, and potentially receiving reciprocal benefits, which all contribute to one's long-term well-being.

How does the script suggest parents can guide a child to understand enlightened self-interest?

The script indicates that parents can guide their children by demonstrating the negative consequences of selfishness and the positive outcomes of sharing, thus teaching them the principles of enlightened self-interest.

What is the final takeaway about ethical egoism from the script?

The script concludes that ethical egoism is a teleological theory that endorses the pursuit of self-interest as ethical, but it is crucial to distinguish this concept from selfishness and to consider the broader implications of actions through the lens of enlightened self-interest.