Psychological Egoism: The Myth Of Gyges

The textbook states that psychological egoism is a theory according to which “all actions are done solely or ultimately for the sake of self-interest” (Timmons, 2012, p. 22). This theory advances the claim that all actions a person do are for selfish reasons, without concern for others. Psychological egoism suggests that things done out of kindness, are actually done for other gains such as to satisfy personal desires (Timmons, 2012, p. 23).

According to Shoemaker, many find psychological egoism believable; however his viewpoint is that this subsequently opens the door to the fallacious normative theory of ethical egoism. “Now as a matter of logic, this argument simply fails, for it commits what is known as the is/ought fallacy…” (Timmons,

2012 p. 23). The is/ought logic attempts to reason that because something “is” a certain way then things “ought” to be that way. This argument does not provide a justification for the ways things are just because things are a certain way (Timmons, 2012, p. 23).
One of the most renewed arguments in support of psychological egoism is Plato's Republic, which is also the origin of The Myth of Gyges where Plato, Socrates, Glaudon, and Adeimantus begin the exploration of egoism.

Glaudon presents Socrates with a posing viewpoint that the only reason people behave morally is the fear of getting caught and it is not in a person’s best interest to be thrown in jail. However, once that possibility is removed such as the Ring of Gyges, people will start to do things they really wanted to do because being ethical no longer benefits them for being unethical. Glaudon’s view is the only reason a person chooses to act morally is only because it the most beneficial versus potentially being punished, but once the risk of punishment is removed then, it is no longer in a person’s best interest to remain moral. Glaudon’s determined that a person will always do what is in their best interest therefore; psychological egoism is valid (Timmons, 2012, p.

22).
Ethical egoism is the moral theory that suggests that “you should always act so as to bring about the best consequences for yourself” (Timmons, 2012, p.

25). According to Shoemaker, one of the strengths of ethical egoism is its applicability. This theory can easily be applied to a variety of situations to achieve consistent moral verdicts, so long as the expected consequence of the person’s action is what is being focused on. The person will need to ask themselves if the action will benefit their best interest all the time (Timmons, 2012, p. 28). Shoemaker considers internal support to be ethical egoism’s weakest criterion, “for it looks like it would easily produce obligations at one time or another to perform actions that directly contradict many, if not all, of our considered moral beliefs” (Timmons, 2012, p. 29). An example would be is it in my best interest to steal things from a thief despite being morally wrong. Ethical egoism suggests I should steal and not adhere to the demands of

morality.
In my opinion ethical egoism should not be taken seriously. The only attractive element this theory contains is it is unpredictable and does not support a moral theory. Ethical egoism theory suggests that there are two categories of people, us and others. “We” are more important than the interests of “others”. I ask a simple question, what makes “us” more important than “others”? Everyone is equally important and this goes against the principle of equal treatment. Discriminating against Blacks or Hispanics or gays and lesbians, what makes them different from those that are not Black or Hispanic or not straight? Nothing, everyone potentially share the same moral values. The theory of ethical egoism promotes treating people differently although there are no differences between them and therefore this doctrine is unacceptable. I realized that we are equal with one another, which is the reason why our morality must include some recognition of the needs of others. This is the reason why ethical egoism fails as a moral theory because it is endorses bad actions and is inconsistent.