Ethical Egoism vs. Virtue Ethics

Attribute	Ethical Egoism	Virtue Ethics
Focus	Self-interest	Character development
Motivation	Pursuit of own happiness	Desire for moral excellence
Goal	Maximize own well-being	Attain eudaimonia (flourishing)
Emphasis	Individual actions	Character traits
Relationship to others	Self-centered	Concern for others

Introduction

Ethical Egoism and Virtue Ethics are two prominent ethical theories that provide different perspectives on how individuals should make moral decisions. While both theories focus on the concept of ethics, they have distinct attributes that set them apart from each other.

Definition of Ethical Egoism

Ethical Egoism is a normative ethical theory that suggests individuals should act in their own self-interest. According to Ethical Egoism, individuals should prioritize their own well-being and happiness above all else. This theory asserts that it is morally right for individuals to pursue their own interests, even if it means disregarding the interests of others.

Definition of Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics, on the other hand, is a normative ethical theory that focuses on the character of the individual rather than the actions they perform. According to Virtue Ethics, individuals should strive to cultivate virtuous character traits, such as honesty, courage, and compassion. This theory emphasizes the importance of developing good moral character in order to make ethical decisions.

Key Attributes of Ethical Egoism

• Self-interest: Ethical Egoism prioritizes the self-interest of the individual above all else.
• Moral obligation: According to Ethical Egoism, individuals have a moral obligation to act in a way that maximizes their own well-being.
• Ethical egoists believe that pursuing one's self-interest ultimately benefits society as a whole.
• Individual autonomy: Ethical Egoism emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy and the right to make decisions based on one's own desires and interests.
• Consequentialist: Ethical Egoism is a consequentialist theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes.

Key Attributes of Virtue Ethics

• Character traits: Virtue Ethics focuses on cultivating virtuous character traits, such as honesty, courage, and compassion.
• Moral exemplars: Virtue Ethics looks to moral exemplars, such as Aristotle's concept of the virtuous person, as models for ethical behavior.
• Community values: Virtue Ethics emphasizes the importance of community values and the role of relationships in shaping moral character.
• Non-consequentialist: Virtue Ethics is a non-consequentialist theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on the character of the individual rather than the outcomes of the actions.
• Teleological: Virtue Ethics is a teleological theory that focuses on the ultimate goal of achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing.

Comparison of Ethical Egoism and Virtue Ethics

While Ethical Egoism and Virtue Ethics differ in their fundamental principles, they also share some similarities. Both theories aim to provide guidance on how individuals should make moral decisions and live a good life. However, they approach this goal from different perspectives.

One key difference between Ethical Egoism and Virtue Ethics is their focus on the individual versus the community. Ethical Egoism prioritizes the self-interest of the individual, while Virtue Ethics emphasizes the importance of community values and relationships in shaping moral character. Ethical Egoism may be seen as more individualistic, while Virtue Ethics may be viewed as more communal.

Another difference between the two theories is their approach to moral decision-making. Ethical Egoism evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes, while Virtue Ethics looks to the character of the individual as the basis for ethical behavior. Ethical Egoism is consequentialist, while Virtue Ethics is non-consequentialist.

Additionally, Ethical Egoism and Virtue Ethics differ in their views on the ultimate goal of ethical behavior. Ethical Egoism focuses on maximizing the well-being and happiness of the individual, while Virtue Ethics aims to achieve eudaimonia, or human flourishing, through the cultivation of virtuous character traits. Ethical Egoism may be seen as more hedonistic, while Virtue Ethics may be viewed as more eudaimonistic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ethical Egoism and Virtue Ethics are two distinct ethical theories that provide different perspectives on how individuals should make moral decisions. While Ethical Egoism prioritizes the self-interest of the individual and evaluates actions based on their outcomes, Virtue Ethics focuses on cultivating virtuous character traits and emphasizes the importance of community values. Both theories offer valuable insights into ethical decision-making and the pursuit of a good life.