
Ethical Egoism
Ethical egoism is a normative ethical theory suggesting that individuals should act in their own self-interest. Unlike selfishness, which disregards others, ethical egoism argues that promoting one’s own well-being ultimately leads to better outcomes for society. It contrasts with moral relativism, which posits that moral truths vary between cultures. Ethical egoism contends that there are objective standards for what is best for an individual, and it is through pursuing these interests that one can align with a social good. In moral epistemology, it raises questions about how we know what actions serve our self-interest most effectively.