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That is their essential ethical principle. Finally, there is the hypothetical egoist, who argues that all individuals ought to pursue their own interests if they are looking for coming to a specific end. In a way, that type of egoist is not an actual egoist; he is rather a utilitarian who believes that happiness for all can be enhanced if each person looks out after his own self. A true ethical egoist would argue against the hypothetical egoist. He would not look to increase the happiness of others, only that of himself. A true ethical egoist must not become a hypothetical egoist, because then he is no longer an egoist. Nor should he become an individual egoist, because it would not be ethical. In addition, the truest ethical egoist must not publicize, or even try to persuade, others of his own policy. When an individual advocates his own doctrine upon others, he is then persuading them to do the same. Hence, each person would begin to pursue his or her own interest and thus it would not be to the persuaders advantage, for it will harm his own interest. A true ethical egoist would convince people to do otherwise, and in return, this will serve the individuals greatest interests. What is meant by my own good? David P. Gauthier, author of Morality and Rational Self-Interest, says that Either that the thing I get is good, or that my possessing it is good. What he is stating is that good can differ in

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Ethical Egoism Essay - 1537 Words | Bartleby