Self-Interest and Morality
Self-Interest
Self-interest, or selfish; two different words with two different meanings often used synonymously in the English language. The Oxford American Dictionary defines self-interest as looking towards one’s own personal advantage, whereas selfishness is defined as acting or doing according to one’s own interests and needs without regard for those of others, keeping good things for oneself and not sharing ( Oxford 824 ). By definition both words imply thought or action of an individual directed toward personal benefit. However similar these two words are not the same. The word selfish has negative connotations of self-gratification with disregard for others; and is therefore looked down on by society. On the other hand, self-interest is viewed more positively implying thought or action directed toward personal benefit, this being more socially acceptable.
It can be argued that all action good or bad stems from either a self-interested or selfish motives. Self-interest is natural, even instinctual in all human beings; acting in behalf of self-preservation is of the most basic form of such action. So the argument goes; if a person acts in any way for their personal well being, then they are acting on self-interest. A great deal has been said concerning the subject of self-interest by many philosophers offering different views on the subject, these views have become known as the theory of ethical and psychological egoism ( Rosenstand 127). Ethical egoism is the theory that everyone ought to be egoistic, selfish, or self-interested, while the theory of psychological egoism is that everyone is selfish, or self-interested ( Rosenstand 544-547).
Regardless of age, race, religion, culture, or gender; everyone is self-interested. Perhaps it could be said that this is an absolute equal opportunity aspect of just being human. The only people without self-interest are the dead ones…who most likely ended up that way for the lack thereof. Basically we all have it; so now, as inspired by the great Plato; our concern should be directed to defining the forms of self-interest ness. Ultimately then, what is the greatest form of self-interest? Could it be that the greatest form to be sought is truth, because not only is this most beneficial when found, but the entire search brings forth positive results as almost a side effect of the endeavor.
There are so many philosophers that have written...