What do you think of the argument that universal ethical ego

What do you think of the argument that universal ethical egoism is inconsistent or incoherent? Do you perceive an internal contradiction in the idea of “group self-interest” in contrast to individual self-interest? Provide an example that helps explain your response.

Solution

Universal ethical egoism is a doctrine that states that individuals should persue and follow their own interests exclusively. Yes, i do think that the universal ethical egoism is inconsistent or incoherent. The reason behind it is: (i) an individual will want to serve his or her own best interests and at the same time is willing to allow other people serve their best interests. This may prove to be detrimental to that individual\'s best interest. (ii) without having a comprehensive knowledge of the world, an individual cannot determine his or her own best interests. (iii) Thirdly, while individuals are pursuing their own interests exclusively, should they follow short term or long term interests?

Yes, i do perceive  an internal contradiction in the idea of “group self-interest” in contrast to individual self-interest. Many a times, individual self interest are sacrificed in order to meet the group self interest. This creates a natural tension and conflict between group self interest and individual self interest. This is because, more often than not, there is a conflict between the welfare of an individual and the welfare of the entire group. For example, individuals may want to save their earnings and use it in a way they deem fit. But in order to serve the group self-interest, government takes away a portion of an individual\'s earnings as tax in order to satisfy the group self-interest or to provide for the common good of the group.