Concept
Rational egoism
Overview
Rational egoism (also called rational selfishness) is the principle that an action is rational if and only if it maximizes one's self-interest. As such, it is considered a normative form of egoism, though historically it has been associated with both positive and normative forms. In its strong form, rational egoism holds that to not pursue one's own interest is unequivocally irrational. Its weaker form, however, holds that while it is rational to pursue self-interest, failing to pursue self-interest is not always irrational.
Originally an element of nihilist philosophy in Russia, it was later popularised in English-speaking countries by Russian-American author Ayn Rand.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).
Possible passages
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The absence of all egoistic motives is thus the =Criterion= of an action of moral value. It may, no doubt, be objected that also acts of pure malice and cruelty are not selfish.[2] But it is manifest that the latter cannot be meant, since they are, in kind, the exact opposite of those now being considered. If, however, the definition be insisted on in its strict sense, then we may expressly except such actions…
Arthur Schopenhauer, The Basis of Morality
States what Rational egoism is.
Practical laws, in so far as they are subjective grounds of actions, that is, subjective principles, are termed maxims. The judgements of moral according to in its purity and ultimate results are framed according ideas; the observance of its laws, according to maxims. The whole course of our life must be subject to moral maxims; but this is impossible, unless with the moral law, which is a mere idea, reason connects…
Immanuel Kant, The Critique of Pure Reason
States what Rational egoism is.
This is either the self-love that consists in an excessive fondness for oneself (philautia), or satisfaction with oneself (arrogantia). The former is called particularly selfishness; the latter self-conceit. Pure practical reason only checks selfishness, looking on it as natural and active in us even prior to the moral law, so far as to limit it to the condition of agreement with this law, and then it is called…
Immanuel Kant, The Critique of Practical Reason
States what Rational egoism is.
Philosophers who discussed Rational egoism
Related ideas
- Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Henry Sidgwick
- Objectivism
- Socialism
- Reasons and Persons
- Utilitarianism
- Ayn Rand
- Normativity
- Nikolay Chernyshevsky
- Virtue
- Derek Parfit
- Rationality
- Ethical egoism
- Epistemology
- Egoism
- Self-interest
- David Gauthier
- Dmitry Pisarev
- The Methods of Ethics
- The Virtue of Selfishness
- Notes from Underground
- Russian nihilist movement
Place in the tradition
Part of Ethical egoism.