Moral Theories
Systems which provide the answers to the question "Why is something right or wrong". As contrasted with psychological egoism - which is not about how we should act, but how we do act. Ethical Egoism We may help others, but as a by-product of helping ourselves. "Helping by accident." We may help others if we get more for ourselves than we would have otherwise. All theories that are self-defeating are theories that we should reject. Altruism is a theory that is self-defeating Therefore, we should reject altruism. Altruism or selfishness Not altruism Therefore selfishness. Three reasons we reject altruism: We know ourselves better than others. Criticisms We often do not know ourselves very well. (So not always true.) We know enough about other people to do something for them. Trying to help other people is intrusive. Criticisms Not always true. The object of charity is degrading. Criticisms Not always true. Ayn Rand All theories that "disrespect life" are theories that should be rejected. Altruism is such a theory. Altruism should be rejected. (Selfishness accepted.) Criticism: it's a long way from giving your life to helping someone. Third argument: ethical egoism is the foundation of our commonsense morality. But it's not. Why we reject ethical egoism It doesn't handle conflicts of interest. ("This is the right thing for me" is not "This is the right thing to do, period.") It's logically inconsistent. ("I have a duty to steal your money" vs. "I have a duty to prevent you from stealing my money" - "Should not prevent you from doing your duty" <-- snuck in.) Unacceptably arbitrary. (Impartiality.)