Lecture Notes: Ethical Egoism, Psychological Egoism, and Altruism

Ethical Egoism

Definition: Belief that one ought to do what is in one's own self-interest.
- Ethical egoism is a normative, prescriptive theory about conduct.
- Contrasts with altruism, which holds an ethical obligation to help others.
Extreme Form:
- Focuses on self-interest, ignoring the obligation to help others.
- Paradox arises when egoists might behave altruistically to further their own interests.
Critique:
- Ethical egoists may need to treat others with respect to achieve their ends.
- Example of ethical egoism in philosophy: Friedrich Nietzsche, with ideas of nihilism and the Übermensch.
- Opposition from religious traditions like Christianity and Buddhism, which promote altruism.

Definition: Humans are inherently motivated by self-interest, even in acts of altruism.
- Claims that self-interest is hardwired; altruism must be learned.
Difference from Ethical Egoism:
- Ethical egoism prescribes behavior; psychological egoism describes inherent human behavior.
Critique:
- The theory is non-falsifiable, making it difficult to prove or disprove.
- Requires counter-observations and scrutiny to validate or refute.

Definition: Unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
- Contradicts both ethical and psychological egoism.
Examples:
- Mother Teresa is often cited for her altruistic work and refusal of monetary rewards.
Critique:
- Egoists argue altruism is self-effacing and demeaning.
- Ayn Rand suggested that altruism reverses morality by sacrificing one's values.

Definition: Ethical principle suggesting that furthering others' interests ultimately serves one's own interests.
- Promoted in capitalist systems where honest transactions benefit all parties involved.

Importance of personal analysis and rational argumentation in philosophical discussions.
Encouragement to develop a skeptical and analytical approach to these theories.