Question

Distinguish between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. Do you consider ethical egoism a valid moral theory? Justify your position. Please answer the question in 3-5 paragraphs.

Answer 1

Psychological Egoism refers to one always acting in one's own interest. So, whatever one does, one makes sure that one gets benefitted, even if the action is voluntary. One may not show that one is acting on one's own interest but one makes sure that one's actions has a hidden benefit for one. The primar difference in psychological egoism is that it's not out of selfishness people act in that way but out of self-interest.

Ethical egoism on the other hand suggests that an action should benefit the one who does that action. It would become ethical only when result of the actions ends in the doer's welfare. It also insists that one shouldn't harm anyone in the course of the action although one expects the results in one's favor. This is almost a kind of philosophical mode as one cannot proceed without harming or hurting anyone in their pursuit.

Both the theories suggests the same thing that the action should end in favour of the doer of the action. Psychological egoism never worries about others but the intention is always self-interest with a mixture of selfishness. Ethical egoism refers to the actions that do not proceed with selfishness but only self-interest thus making it more positive.