Philosophy Applied Ethics Questions
Ethical egoism and ethical subjectivism are both theories within applied ethics, but they differ in their approach to moral decision-making.
Ethical egoism is a normative theory that asserts individuals should always act in their own self-interest. It argues that individuals have a moral obligation to prioritize their own well-being and happiness above the interests of others. According to ethical egoism, actions are morally right if they maximize one's self-interest, regardless of the consequences for others. This theory promotes self-centeredness and the pursuit of personal gain as the ultimate moral goal.
On the other hand, ethical subjectivism is a metaethical theory that claims moral judgments are subjective and based on individual preferences or attitudes. It suggests that moral statements are expressions of personal opinions or emotions, rather than objective truths. Ethical subjectivism holds that moral values and principles vary from person to person, and there is no universal moral standard. In this view, what is morally right or wrong is determined by an individual's subjective beliefs or feelings.
In summary, the main difference between ethical egoism and ethical subjectivism lies in their perspectives on moral decision-making. Ethical egoism focuses on self-interest as the guiding principle, while ethical subjectivism emphasizes the subjective nature of moral judgments and the absence of universal moral standards.