Final answer:
Egoism is about pursuing one's own self-interest as a moral guide, whereas philosophical hedonism, like Epicurean hedonism, defines pleasure as the highest good but includes intellectual and emotional pleasures, not just physical indulgence. Utilitarianism, contrasting egoism, aims for the greatest good for the most people.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding egoism and hedonism, it's important to differentiate the two philosophical perspectives. Egoism, specifically ethical egoism, posits that it is morally right to pursue one's own self-interest. Epicurean hedonism, on the other hand, suggests that pleasure is the highest good, but this does not merely refer to physical indulgence; it includes emotional and mental pleasures that contribute to a good and meaningful life.
Strong ethical egoism asserts that pursuing one's own greatest good is always the right action, whereas weak ethical egoism suggests it is right but not necessarily mandatory to always do so. In the context of utilitarianism, the emphasis is on maximizing pleasure or satisfying interests for the greatest number of people, which differs from the self-centered approach of egoism.
One key objection to psychological egoism is that it confuses a person's desires for motivation, disregarding the fact that people can act against their own self-interest or desires. Thus, while egoism is focused on personal benefit regardless of others' welfare, hedonism, especially in the philosophical sense, can prioritize long-lasting and intellectual pleasures that align with living a meaningful life.