rational egoism

English

Noun

rational egoism (uncountable)

1. (philosophy) The doctrine that it is rational to act in one's own self-interest.
   • 1886, J. Martineau, Types of Ethical Theory, Vol. 2, 2nd rev. Ed., Macmillan and Co., New York, p 343:

     This emotional feat does not seem to me possible and therefore I must admit that a man who embraces the principle of Rational Egoism cuts himself off from the special pleasure that attends this absolute sacrifice and suppression of self.

   • 1893, Arthur T. Hadley, The Yale Review, Vol 1. May 1892 – Feb. 1893, Ginn & Co., New York, p 363:

     A few like the Stoics could conceive of a general or collective utility more like the Epicureans could develop a rational egoism and at least make some effort to practice it but to the majority educated under the older religions the failure of those religions meant the substitution of an irrational egoism.

Synonyms

• rational selfishness