TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES 938 Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City Position Paper on Ethical Egoism Submitted by: GELBOLINGA, AZEL Z. CE42S5 / GEE008 Submitted to: MS. LUCILE FELY CRUZ Ethical Egoism is a moral philosophy that bases morality on self-interest. Individuals are ethically required, according to this theory, to act in their own best interests regardless of how their behavior affects others. This article will look further into the benefits and drawbacks of ethical egoism and make an argument that, while appealing in theory, it fails to be a practical and desirable moral philosophy. One of the most compelling arguments for ethical egoism is that it encourages self-reliance and individualism. Individuals, according to adherents of this philosophy, should prioritize their own well-being above all else because they are the only ones who truly understand their own needs and desires. Furthermore, they argue that allowing individuals to go after their own self-interest results in a greater productive and effective society. This theory, however, has significant flaws. The most critical factor is that it promotes selfishness and ignorance for others. Ethical egoism holds that individuals should prioritize their own interests over all else, without regard for the consequences of their actions on others. This can lead to a variety of unethical behaviors, including exploitation, manipulation, and deception. Furthermore, ethical egoism overlooks the value of compassion and sympathy in human relationships. Individuals who prioritize self-interest above all else may become disconnected from the desires and emotions of others. This can sever social bonds and result in a divided society devoid of basic human values. It is worth mentioning that some ethical egoism variants try to deal with certain of these criticisms. Enlightened self-interest advocates, for example, argue that individuals should consider the long-term impact that their actions have on others and society as a whole. This approach, however, does not fully account for the role of altruism and empathy in moral decision-making. Additionally, some would argue that ethical egoism may serve as a guiding principle in specific situations, for instance when individuals must safeguard themselves from harm. This argument, however, ignores the reality that ethical egoism is not a versatile philosophy that can be applied on a case-to-case basis. It is, rather, an overriding moral theory that promotes the superiority of self-interest in all circumstances. To conclude, ethical egoism is a flawed ethical philosophy that ignores the significance of empathy, compassion, and social duty. While it may be tempting to emphasize our own interests more than anything else, we must remember that we are part of a wider society and that our actions affect others. A more ideal moral philosophy would place a greater emphasis on the well-being of all individuals and work to establish a much more humane and just society.
