Ethical egoism is a form of morality that states that all moral decisions should be made to benefit self-interest. This simply means that individuals, when faced with a moral dilemma, should consider which of their options will protect, benefit, or serve their own self. There are several pros and cons to ethical egoism, and below we discuss each one in detail. Read on to find out more.
List of Pros of Ethical Egoism
1. Greater Chances of Personal Improvement
If a person makes decisions to better themselves, then they would be on a constant journey towards self-improvement. By following the principle of ethical egoism, a person becomes geared towards making decisions for their own benefit. For example, when faced with the temptation of drugs or alcohol, instead of deciding based on peer pressure or external factors, a person would think about their own well-being.
2. Improved Self Awareness
These days, people are fuelled by external factors. Work is performed to please a boss, responsibilities are accomplished to appease a spouse, and duties are fulfilled to honor parents. But with ethical egoism, people learn to do things for themselves, which increases self awareness and in turn, improves self worth.
3. Everyone is Provided For
If everyone were to practice ethical egoism, everyone would be provided for through their own efforts. The poor would strive to better themselves instead of depending on others for sustenance and would seek opportunities in the hopes of doing what is right for themselves.
List of Cons of Ethical Egoism
1. Detached Society
With everyone thinking of themselves, people would become less likely to care about others. If ethical egoism is practiced on a global scale, there would be a lack of warmth or compassion among members of society because they would be more interested in their own benefit than helping others.
2. Elimination of Objectivity
Because everyone would be fuelled by their own personal interests, objectivity would be a thing of the past. People will forget how to put themselves in others shoes and would lose the ability to see things from the perspectives of other people around them.
3. Poor Relationships
Families and friendships thrive because people care about one another but with ethical egoism, that becomes obsolete. Instead, parents think of their own benefit and forgo that of their children. A spouse will make decisions for their own sake and forget their partner.