Phenomenon of Egoism - Essay Example

It sometimes refers to psychological egoism. It describes human nature as self-motived and self-centered (Welsh, 62). Psychological egoism points out 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.

Normative egoism 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 directly describe human nature. 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 following 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 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 following 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 of normative egoism. A teacher may argue while marking students’ papers that her life can be easier if she offers inflated grades, hence, it is in her self-interest. Marking otherwise may attract negative feedback from her students, and she may spend much time trying to counsel them. A classic example of ethical egoism is when a young man sees his profound good in killing his uncle who is rich so that he can inherit his wealth. The uncle has the greatest good of enjoying his wealth, which then leads to a conflict.

Positively, egoism encourages individuals to have empathy, look out for others’ interests as well as help them. On the contrary, certain forms of egoism demand more selfishness. This type of egoism appears impractical since one’s action may hurt others while he or she thinks that it is in his or her self-interest to do so.