Question

Please describe and explain the self-reliance argument in favor of ethical egoism. (Provide an example).

Answer 1

According to me,Every ethical theory recommends certain actions, and prohibits others. In this case, ethical egoism recommends looking out for one's own (long-term) self-interest. It also says that we are morally obligated to avoid being concerned for others if by doing so it does not further out own interests.

Take "truth telling" as an example. The principle suggests that we should tell the truth, that we ought not deceive others. Ethical egoism explains why this principle holds -- it explains the ground of our obligation. It explains the true meaning (I don't like that phrase, but I'll use it here for the moment) of the principle. It suggests, ultimately, that the reason why we ought not lie is because if we do lie, that has a high probability of negatively impacting my personal happiness. From the perspective of ethical egoism, that and that alone is the ground for the principle of "truth telling.