What is the Difference Between Egoism and Altruism?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Egoism and altruism are two contrasting views of human motivation. They represent the extremes of self-interest and selflessness, respectively. Here are the key differences between egoism and altruism:
- Egoism: This concept refers to the quality of being excessively self-centered or selfish. Egoism is concerned with pursuing one's own self-interest and well-being, often at the expense of others. Ethical egoism, a form of egoism, approves of behavior that benefits others, but only if it promotes one's own good.
- Altruism: This concept refers to the quality of being completely selfless and concerned with the welfare of others. Altruistic actions are performed to benefit others without expecting any personal gain or advantage.
Some psychologists believe that both egoism and altruism can coexist within an individual, and various factors can influence the interplay between these two motivations. While egoism focuses on self-interest, altruism focuses on the well-being of others. In some cases, an individual's actions may be influenced by both egoism and altruism, but the two concepts remain distinct in their underlying principles and motivations.
Comparative Table: Egoism vs Altruism
Here is a table comparing the differences between egoism and altruism:
| Feature | Egoism | Altruism |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Egoism is the belief that individuals are primarily motivated by self-interest, and they act in ways that ultimately benefit themselves. | Altruism is the belief that individuals can be motivated by a genuine desire to help others, without expecting any personal gain or benefit in return. |
| Focus | The focus of egoism is on the individual's self-interest, with actions and decisions primarily motivated by personal gains or benefits. | The focus of altruism is on the betterment of others, with actions and decisions primarily motivated by the desire to help others without benefit to oneself. |
| Motivation | Egoists are motivated by a desire to help themselves, often prioritizing their own needs and desires over those of others. | Altruists are motivated by a desire to help others, often prioritizing the needs and desires of others over their own. |
| Selflessness | Egoism is considered selfish, as it prioritizes the individual's own interests above those of others. | Altruism is considered selfless, as it prioritizes the interests of others above the individual's own interests. |
| Examples | Examples of egoistic behavior include refusing to help someone in need due to personal inconvenience or not wanting to share resources with others.. | Examples of altruistic behavior include volunteering, donating to charity, or helping a stranger in need without expecting any personal gain or recognition.. |
In summary, egoism is a belief system that prioritizes the individual's self-interest, while altruism prioritizes the interests of others. Egoists are motivated by personal gains or benefits, whereas altruists are motivated by a genuine desire to help others without expecting anything in return.
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- Utilitarianism vs Deontology
- Existentialism vs Nihilism
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