Ethical Egoism vs. Psychological Egoism

Attribute	Ethical Egoism	Psychological Egoism
Ethical Theory	Moral theory that states individuals should act in their own self-interest	Psychological theory that states individuals always act in their own self-interest
Motivation	Driven by the belief that individuals should prioritize their own well-being	Driven by the belief that individuals are inherently selfish and always act in their own self-interest
Focus	Focuses on what individuals ought to do morally	Focuses on what individuals actually do psychologically
Normative vs Descriptive	Normative ethical theory	Descriptive psychological theory

Definition

Ethical Egoism is a normative ethical theory that states individuals ought to act in their own self-interest. This means that individuals should prioritize their own needs and desires above those of others. On the other hand, Psychological Egoism is a descriptive psychological theory that claims individuals always act in their own self-interest, even when it appears they are acting altruistically.

Focus

Ethical Egoism focuses on what individuals ought to do, emphasizing the importance of self-interest in decision-making. It argues that individuals have a moral obligation to prioritize their own well-being above others. In contrast, Psychological Egoism focuses on what individuals actually do, suggesting that all actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest, even if they appear to be altruistic.

Justification

Ethical Egoism justifies self-interest by arguing that individuals are best equipped to make decisions that benefit themselves. It suggests that acting in one's own self-interest leads to the greatest overall good for society. On the other hand, Psychological Egoism justifies self-interest by claiming that all actions are ultimately motivated by a desire to maximize one's own well-being, even if it appears to be for the benefit of others.

Motivation

Ethical Egoism is motivated by the belief that individuals have a right to pursue their own happiness and well-being. It emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-preservation as fundamental aspects of human nature. In contrast, Psychological Egoism is motivated by the idea that all actions are ultimately driven by a desire to fulfill one's own needs and desires, even if it appears to be for the benefit of others.

Altruism

Ethical Egoism rejects the concept of altruism, arguing that individuals should prioritize their own needs and desires above those of others. It suggests that altruistic actions are ultimately self-serving, as individuals derive some form of benefit from helping others. On the other hand, Psychological Egoism acknowledges the existence of altruism but claims that even seemingly selfless actions are ultimately motivated by a desire to fulfill one's own needs and desires.

Implications

Ethical Egoism has implications for how individuals should make moral decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-interest in ethical reasoning. It suggests that individuals have a moral obligation to prioritize their own well-being above others. In contrast, Psychological Egoism has implications for how individuals actually behave, suggesting that all actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest, even if they appear to be altruistic.