Partial Egoism
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 1:22 am
When reading Nietzsche, I realized that there were certain problems with altruism. Basically, if everyone were completely altruistic, there would be no one to hold everyone to the altruistic standard. There is basic anarchy. It is apparent that Nietzsche did believe in altruism when upheld by the master class.
I however do not believe that to be ideal. While I do see a need for some altruism, I see much more need for the people to uphold their own self-interest. I call that partial egoism. I find the master class of people to be unnecessary if the people can muster a modicum of self-control.
I don’t, however, propose utilitarianism. Utilitarianism tends to be too mild. It degrades into altruism too easily. The good of the individual gets lost in the good of the many, and the good of the few displaces the good of the many.
Certainly, you would be correct to see the problem with absolute egoism, but with partial egoism, the contentions should disappear unless you are one of the few withholding good from the many. Firstly, partial egoism does not seek its own self-interest to the detriment of others. That does not necessarily mean that the good of others is as important to the individual as it would be in the ideal of utilitarianism, but there is a slight concern for our fellow man.
Also, the tendency to help others in extreme need is upheld in part. Who of us has never needed help? But we still reserve the right to stand up for our own wants and desires from those who don’t really need our help.
I however do not believe that to be ideal. While I do see a need for some altruism, I see much more need for the people to uphold their own self-interest. I call that partial egoism. I find the master class of people to be unnecessary if the people can muster a modicum of self-control.
I don’t, however, propose utilitarianism. Utilitarianism tends to be too mild. It degrades into altruism too easily. The good of the individual gets lost in the good of the many, and the good of the few displaces the good of the many.
Certainly, you would be correct to see the problem with absolute egoism, but with partial egoism, the contentions should disappear unless you are one of the few withholding good from the many. Firstly, partial egoism does not seek its own self-interest to the detriment of others. That does not necessarily mean that the good of others is as important to the individual as it would be in the ideal of utilitarianism, but there is a slight concern for our fellow man.
Also, the tendency to help others in extreme need is upheld in part. Who of us has never needed help? But we still reserve the right to stand up for our own wants and desires from those who don’t really need our help.