Ethical Egoism

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Alex Pearson

Conrad 4th hour

9-20-12

Ethical Egoism Paper

Ethical Egoism

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Imagine a high school student who just made it home at ten o’clock on a wednesday evening. That student is more than likely exhausted, and is planning on choosing the wrong path; to not do his homework and count some sheep a little earlier that night. He/she has to decide on whether or not he/she wants to be successful, or live in a box pretty much. Fortunately this student is an ethical egoist! Ethical egoism is the belief that it is morally acceptable, and right to believe that a person ought to do what is in their best interest. It would be in this student’s best interest to do his homework, and then prepare himself for a good day of class. Ethical egoism at its finest.

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The moral philosophy “ethical egoism”, and the ethical egoists themselves for that matter, is not as bad as it seems on the surface. Brush off the dust, and touch up the appearance some, and it is actually a beautiful thing. For example, it is in Alex Pearson’s best interest to finish his paper, then get into the shower, then into bed so he can go to Mr. Conrad’s class the next morning refreshed and prepared for class. Perhaps Alex even had a nice healthy breakfast to help kickstart his exciting day at school. If Alex were to do this, he would be acting for himself and himself only; creating a better name and reputation for himself as a student among his fellow classmates and mentors. Others, especially utilitarianists, would do what is best for everyone in the class. They would do the complete opposite, in fact. They would come to school tired, with a messed up look, and no homework. This way, the utilitarianists peers would move up in social status because he/she made his/her classmates seem more alert, attractive, and responsible because they...