3. Introduction to Ethics
Egoism: the ethical theory that
rightness depends upon what is
in each individual’s self-interest
egoism vs. altruism
4. Introduction to Ethics
Egoism: the ethical theory that
rightness depends upon what is
in each individual’s self-interest
What is the opposite of
self-interest?
Altruism: unselfish regard
for the good of others
6. Introduction to Ethics
Egoism: the ethical theory that
rightness depends upon what is
in each individual’s self-interest
Is there a difference between “self-
interest” and “selfishness”?
7. Introduction to Ethics
What examples of ‘good’ self-
interest can you think of?
• Study for a test
• Saving for the future
• Getting a good education
• Working hard
8. Introduction to Ethics
Adam Smith
(1723-1790): political
economist who
famously argued that
everyone pursuing self-
interest distributes
goods in the best way.
10. Introduction to Ethics
Basic Arguments for Egoism:
• Helping others makes them
dependent.
• We are naturally egoists.
• We should all help ourselves
first
11. Introduction to Ethics
Practice
What would egoism say about
this problem?
You are driving home along the
Emirates Road with a friend. Your
friend tells you that the next 5
speed cameras are broken so it’s
okay to go at 160 km/h.
15. Introduction to Ethics
What is a “social contract”?
social contract:
an agreement among the
members of a society to create
rules for that society
16. Introduction to Ethics
Contractarianism says:
we are naturally self-interested, but if
everybody behaved in a purely self-
interested way we would not be able
to live together in society. If we
want to live in society, we have to
respect other people's interests.
17. Introduction to Ethics
the ethical theory in which
individuals select the right rules
when choosing under an
unwritten social contract.
N
S P
18. Introduction to Ethics
An example
• it might be in our interest to drive at 180 km
per hour on a road that doesn't have speed
cameras (e.g. so we are not late for work), but
we don't drive at this speed
WHY?
• because we might put other people's lives in
danger and we would not want other people
to drive like this and put our life in danger
http://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_contractarianism.html
20. Introduction to Ethics
Empathy Ethics:
The idea that good actions are
based upon understanding and
sensitivity of other people.
We should put ourselves into
another person’s position and see
the world through their eyes.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-
35253527
21. Introduction to Ethics
Empathy Ethics
Think again about the trolley problem.
How could understanding and seeing the
world through another’s eyes affect
decisions here?
