Egoism

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer identifies and describes the theories of ethical egoism and psychological egoism. This work identifies and explains the fallacy of psychological egoism. The paper also discusses the strong and weak version of ethical egoism. Furthermore, the differences that exist between ethical egoism and psychological egoism are discussed and the doctrines of motivation for each theory are contrasted. This work concludes with a brief discussion on the differences between selfishness and self-interest.

Outline:
Introduction
Ethical Egoism and Psychological Egoism Defined
Strong and Weak Version of Ethical Egoism
Identify and Explain the Fallacy of Psychological Egoism
Contrast of Doctrines of Motivation
Discussion on Difference between Selfishness & Self-Interest
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The hedonistic view is that only intrinsic pleasure is really desired while the eudemonistic view is that the only intrinsic good is derived from happiness. Finally, the pluralistic view is that a requirement for achieving intrinsic satisfaction that is good is that these things are comprised of a variety of good things. Psychological Egoism holds that in order for an individual to act on a voluntary basis then the individual's motivation must come from personal desires and that the individual's satisfaction is solely through fulfillment of those desires. This view holds that the individual actions are at all times driven by personal achievement of pleasure that is centric upon self."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hobbes, T. (1968) Leviathan, edited with an introduction by C.P. Macpherson, (Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1968) Chapter 6, "Good", p.120.
• Baier, Kurt. 1991 "Egoism" in a Companion to Ethics. (ed. P. Singer) Oxford: Blackwell, 197-204.
• Pecorino, Phillip A. (2000) Chapter 8: Ethics Teleological Theories Sunysuffolk Edu. . Accessed 3 Mar 2007. Online available at: http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/pecorip /SCCCWEB/ETEXTS/INTRO_TEXT/hapter%208%20Ethics/Teleological_Theories.htm

More papers on Egoism:

• Essay # 87332 : "Remarks on Egoism "
• Comparison Essay # 87468 : "Ethical Egoism"
• Comparison Essay # 116203 : "Forms of Egoism"

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