Question 1

Has Ayn Rand successfully defended her theory of ethical egoism? How does it relate to Socrates' idea that one ought never to harm anyone else? Could one reconcile Socrates' idea with Rand's theory? Socrates believes that one should never harm anyone else because doing so is never in one's own interest. What would be needed to get Rand's theory to agree with that conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Has Ayn Rand successfully defended her theory...

Question 2

Can the ethical egoist make his or her views public? If you follow Rand, should you let others know where you stand? Should you persuade them to be egoists? If the egoist cannot make his theory public, does this disqualify it as a genuine ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Can the ethical egoist make his or...

Question 3

Can the ethical egoist be a consistent egoist and have friends? If friendship entails loving another in such a way as to sacrifice one's own interest for the friend's, does this give the egoist difficulty?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Can the ethical egoist be a consistent...

Question 4

"Everyone is an egoist, for everyone always tries to do what will bring them satisfaction."

Accepted Answer

The statement "Everyone is an egoist, for everyone always tries to do what will bring them satisfaction" is subjective and can be both true and false depending on the perspective. 
It is true to some extent because people generally tend to seek their own happiness and satisfaction. This is a basic human instinct and is often the driving force behind our actions. In this sense, one could argue that everyone is an egoist.
However, it is also false because not everyone acts solely out of self-interest. There are many instances where people act altruistically, putting the needs and interests of others before their own. This can be seen in acts of charity, self-sacrifice, and in people who dedicate their lives to helping others. Therefore, it is not accurate to label everyone as an egoist. 
In conclusion, while it is natural for people to seek their own satisfaction, it is an oversimplification to categorize everyone as an egoist as it overlooks the capacity for altruism and selflessness in human behavior.

Question 5

What is the relationship between ethics and evolution? How does this relationship throw light on egoism? What is the significance of reciprocity for ethics?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the relationship between ethics and...

Question 6

Go over the three arguments for ethical egoism in Rachels' article. Do you agree with Rachels' assessment that they all fail to establish the theory? Could a slight modification in any of them save the theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Go over the three arguments for ethical...

Question 7

Identify the three arguments against ethical egoism. Which of them, if any, refutes ethical egoism?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify the three arguments against ethical egoism....

Quiz 8: Ethics and Egoism: Why Should We Be Moral