Is it moral to be selfish? The logic of ethical egoism.

Health · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Most people assume selfishness is the opposite of morality. But ethical egoism argues that acting in your own self-interest is the only consistent way to live. It isn't about being reckless; it's a normative framework suggesting that your own well-being is the primary standard for what is right.

The normative theory of ethical egoism suggests that individuals should prioritise their own personal interests when making moral choices. This differs from psychological egoism, asserting that humans solely pursue self-interest, and rational egoism, which argues such actions are logical. Instead, ethical egoism posits that actions resulting in benefits for the doer are, by definition, ethical. This framework elevates the 'self' to a status not granted to others, contrasting with altruism (the obligation to help others) and utilitarianism (the impartial treatment of all interests).

The theory is not a license for impulsive behavior. As philosopher James Rachels noted, it 'endorses selfishness, but it doesn't endorse foolishness.' An ethical egoist might prioritize long-term eudaimonia over fleeting pleasures, as short-term desires can be detrimental to one's own interests. Furthermore, it does not require harming others; an action can be incidentally detrimental to others while remaining morally correct for the agent. It also allows for the consideration of others' interests, provided they are substantially equivalent to one's own.

The philosophy faces significant challenges. Critics argue the distinction between 'self' and 'others' is arbitrary, as no justification exists for why one's own desires carry more weight. Others point out that ethical egoism is difficult to universalize: if an egoist wants others to act altruistically toward them, they cannot logically demand that others follow their own egoistic principle. Additionally, some argue the 'self' is an illusion, rendering the entire concept of an ego incoherent. In organizational settings, however, high levels of egoism are often linked to counterproductive work behaviors and lower occupational well-being.

Historically, the term was introduced by Henry Sidgwick in 1874. It has roots in ancient philosophies, such as Yangism (4th century BC), and has influenced modern political movements like right-libertarianism and individualist anarchism. While some argue it leads to a 'tragedy of the commons' where resources are depleted, proponents argue that a system of private property rights and capitalism actually facilitates wealth creation by recognizing rational self-interest.

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