Egoism

We should not always do what is in our best interest. Acting exclusively in one's own self-interest would require an assumption that one person is more deserving than another. And on what basis is this assumption justified? There is no justification for treating someone differently than others, simply for your own self-gain. Ethical egoism implies that your needs are more important than others yet provides no moral justification for this assumption. Ethical egoism leaves no room in moral theory for the inclusion of some acknowledgment of the needs of others. It would be impossible for society to function without the acknowledgment of others needs. If we acted only to pursue our self-interests resources would be greatly manipulated and taken away from others. The cutthroat competition created by ethical egoism would create serious problems such as lack of security and unfair and unequal resource access, two things that are necessary in a functioning society.

Acting in one's self interest can sometimes result in a person violating their values. For example Bob, a family man who values his family more than anything. It would be in his own self-interest to take a high-paying job he was offered in another state. If Bob takes the job, which would be in his best interest, he will move away from his family. If he doesn't, he will be miserable in his old job but still live with his family. Bob of course chooses to stay miserable in his old job because he love spending time with his family and values them more than what is best for him. Ethical egoism does not allow one to value any one person, group or things above their own self-interest, which is simply impractical.

Ethical Egoism lacks the ability to rationalize conflicting self-interests. If Bob decides he is going to try and get a promotion to fill a spot at his employer, it would be in his best interest to stop Matt, his competition from coming to work. Yet, it would be in Mart's best interest to stop Bob from stopping him. Ethical egoism allows for this back and forth rationale yet never provides an answer to whose self-interest is more important or whose action is more warranted.