Ethical Egoism Vs Utilitarianism Essay

Ethical egoism and utilitarianism both find their idea of morality in the same way. Both use the outcomes of their actions as the basis of what is morally correct. However they aren’t exactly the same, in the way they find their principles as to what the outcome should be. Ethical egoists want what is best for number one, themselves. Utilitarians want the greatest good for all people. Ethical egoism makes less sense than utilitarianism as a conduct for life practices.
John needs money to buy medicine for his child; otherwise, his child may suffer due to lack of medical care. The only person John can borrow money from is from a man named David. However, David will not lend money to John unless John solemnly promises to pay David back within …show more content…
John deliberates as to whether he should make a false promise to David (thereby getting the money to afford medicine for his child) or refrain from making any such false promises. Ethical egoism would assess that helping John’s child would be the correct moral decision. Ethical egoism makes it goal the greatest good for oneself. Ethical egoism is the opposite of altruism, which is acting selflessly to help others. John has a connection to his child, and most likely loves it, therefore his child means more to him than a stranger. Ethical egoists say one should look out for their own self interest. John has many more self interests for helping his child than being honest to a stranger. Johns child may carry on his name, tell his stories, and one day help him when he gets old. John has no reason to care about what happens to David. John would be acting altruistically by helping his son, but ethical egoism does not completely condone altruism. It allows altruism when it benefits one's self. John would only keep the promise if it were in his best interest to do so. Ayn Rand is a philosopher who promotes ethical egoism. She explains that everyone's goal should be happiness,