Final answer:
Ethical egoism is an ethical theory that prioritizes self-interest and argues that individuals should always act in a way that benefits themselves, regardless of the impact on others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethical egoism is an ethical theory that prioritizes self-interest. It argues that individuals should always act in a way that benefits themselves, regardless of the impact on others. This perspective considers that one's own well-being is of utmost importance and should be the primary focus in making moral decisions. Ethical egoism does not align with utilitarianism, deontological ethics, or virtue ethics.
Examples:
- A person who chooses to donate to a charity only because it makes them feel good about themselves is exhibiting ethical egoism.
- Someone who consistently acts in their own self-interest, even if it means intentionally causing harm to others, is also adhering to ethical egoism.
- Contrarily, an ethical theory rooted in virtue ethics would prioritize character development and moral excellence rather than prioritizing self-interest as ethical egoism does.