Egoism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Egoism - Essay Example It sometimes refers to psychological egoism. It provides a description of the human nature as self-motived and self-centered (Welsh 62). Psychological egoism points that individuals usually act in their interests; however, they may conceal their motivation regarding their duty or help for others. Diverse individuals portray this kind of egoism differently. Opponents argue that it renders useless ethics. However, proponents refute this claim and assert that the opponents need to exploit counterfactual evidence while criticizing psychological egoism. It is the second variant of egoism, and it specifies the agent, which ought to promote the self above other values. The theory of normative egoism does not provide the description of human nature in a direct way. However, it points out how individuals ought to behave. Two forms of normative egoism exist, which include ethical and rational. Rational egoism argues that the promotion of one’s interest is usually in accordance with reason. Proponents argue that selfishness is a virtue that human beings need to pursue (Welsh 81). Therefore, ethical selfishness encompasses a commitment to reason rather than emotions. On the contrary, opponents posit that the reason dictates an individual’s interest and does not govern one’s actions. Ethical egoism argues that the promotion of an individual’s good is in accordance with morality. Ethical egoism, thus, highlights that it is usually moral to promote an individual’s good and it is immoral not to promote it. An example of psychological egoism is when a person gives something, which he or she owns to another individual. Here, the intention of giving is good to himself or herself. A free-rider scenario provides an example of rational egoism, which is a form normative egoism. A teacher may argue, while marking students’ papers that her life can be easier is she offers inflated grades, hence, it is in her self-interest. Marking otherwise may attract