A Comparison Of Psychological Egoism And Ethical Egoism

Introduction

Ethics is concerned with finding rational arguments in all ethical questions. It is concerned with right, or good and bad. A lot of theories have been proposed and amongst them there is psychological egoism which is attributed to Thomas Hobbes who lived from 1558–1679 and ethical egoism, which was largely supported by Ayn Rand who lived from 1908-1982. This paper seeks to give a detailed account of psychological egoism and ethical egoism, and a clear description of the central differences between psychological egoism and ethical egoism will be suggested. Furthermore, some of the major flaws found in each of the two theories will also be considered.

Psychological Egoism

While our morals may differ from one place to another, there seems to be a common understanding around altruistic acts. Most societies demand that we must be generous. However, psychological egoism does question whether as humans we are able to act unselfishly. Psychological egoism claims that ‘each person is so constituted that he or she will look out only for his or her own interests’ (Rachels 1993:62). The idea of complete altruism in us or in other people is said to be a myth. As Rachels puts it in his book, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, psychological egoism is based on human motivation; actions that are done intentionally. Others have claimed that it is a theory of human psychology. Thus it claims that when people respond to the needs of others, they are doing so because they are expecting something in return for themselves (ibid.). Having said this, the basic or fundamental claim that psychological egoism makes is that all human actions are done primarily for selfish reasons.

In the light of psychological egoism, many people will be shocked to...

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... as humans whereas ethical egoism gives us choices because it prescribes what we ought to do and we can choose to do it or not to whether the act is good or bad. Thus, the clear and distinct difference is that psychological egoism is a descriptive theory while ethical egoism is a prescriptive or a normative theory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both theories seem not to be valid. Psychological egoism is refuted on the grounds that it is based on assumptions for which there is no empirical evidence to prove that all actions are done with a self-interest motive. Ethical egoism would then be said to provide the worst kind of world for humans. What ethical egoism theory seems to suggest contradicts most of our moral beliefs and also endorses divisions among humans. Thus, based on the claims suggested by these two theories, they can be dismissed as morally inappropriate.