Egoism

[Jane_the_Bane]

In its colloquial use, egoism is used (almost) synonymously with egotism, and refers to excessive focus on personal gain at the expense of others.
Certain ideologies, however, have sought to redeem the term, and I'd like to examine this a little more in detail:

I think that it is indeed possible to deconstruct the classical "ego(t)ism vs. altruism" dichotomy, based on the simple observation that each of us is part of an organic community, and essentially serves his or her own interests by means of solidarity.
The sort of behaviour that is commonly called "egotistical" is damaging to the individual and its self-interest in the long run, even though the egoist might not be aware of it.
The sort of behaviour that is commonly referred to as "altruistic", on the other hand, benefits both the community and the individual, by strengthening the "social organism" of which each of us is a constituting member. It is ultimately self-serving.
Thus, "altruism" and "egoism" alike become vacuous terms, although their colloquial usage might still conceive of them as extremes at the furthest ends of an organic spectrum.

Or, in other words: consideration for others and a willingness to relinquish immediate personal gain for the long-term benefits of the social organism we belong to is not purely "altruistic", but ultimately serves our own interests better than an excessive focus on personal gain ever could.
The egotist's failure to perceive himself as part of an organic whole does not serve his interests whatsoever.

Now, I can imagine that some "Objectivists" will probably balk at this, but keep in mind that Ayn Rand re-defined the terms "egoism" and "altruism" idiosyncratically: in her conception, altruism became a distorted bogeyman, an extreme that was not advocated by any of the historical figures she attacked, not even Marx. She basically commits the fallacy of equivocation, and kills a strawman in order to perpetuate her own goals.

Saving a child from drowning in a well does not serve our own interests - on the contrary, we might rip our fancy clothes or even receive a few scratches, and there might not even be a reward - and yet, few of us would refrain from doing so, if it were neccessary.

 

[quatona]

In my observation, a person constitutes "ego(t)ism" not so much from the results of action, but from the assumed intention.
So, even if the dichotomy "ego(t)ism vs. altruims" is an inaccurate concept if looking at the factual results, for some reason it seems to be important to some observers to differenciate in terms of the assumed primary intention that led a person to this action.

 

[Jane_the_Bane]

In my observation, a person constitutes "ego(t)ism" not so much from the results of action, but from the assumed intention.
So, even if the dichotomy "ego(t)ism vs. altruims" is an inaccurate concept if looking at the factual results, for some reason it seems to be important to some observers to differenciate in terms of the assumed primary intention that led a person to this action.

I guess this distinction is connected to the mechanisms that allow a society to exist - by protecting itself against self-destructive tendencies from within. A certain degree of sociopathic tendencies might be compatible with peaceful coexistence, yet people will be wary of them nevertheless.

 

[Jane_the_Bane]

BUMP (just this once...)

 

[levi501]

Saving a child from drowning in a well does not serve our own interests - on the contrary, we might rip our fancy clothes or even receive a few scratches, and there might not even be a reward - and yet, few of us would refrain from doing so, if it were neccessary.

It would serve my interests...
I couldn't live with myself if I didn't everything I could to help that child.
Other then that empathy does serve our self interest. By way of social programing we're taught that to care for others is to have people care about you.

 

[Jane_the_Bane]

It would serve my interests...
I couldn't live with myself if I didn't everything I could to help that child.
Other then that empathy does serve our self interest. By way of social programing we're taught that to care for others is to have people care about you.

Exactly.