Final answer:
Ethical egoism morally dictates actions by prioritizing self-interest, often at the cost of traditional morality such as honesty and compassion. This can lead to conflict with societal norms and altruistic principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethical egoism requires actions that seem to be paradigmatic cases of immorality primarily by prioritizing self-interest over the well-being of others. This philosophical stance maintains that it is always right to act in one's own personal interest, which often leads to conflicts with what is traditionally seen as moral. For instance, if a person were to harm others to benefit themselves, this would be deemed acceptable under strong ethical egoism. Such actions can manifest in severe cases, like the hypothetical of harming a family member for inheritance benefits, which poses a clear moral issue. Ethical egoism also dismisses the need for honesty, fairness, empathy, and compassion if they conflict with individual self-interest. This runs counter to many moral philosophies that promote these qualities as inherent virtues necessary for a well-functioning society.