Two theories at opposite ends of the consequentialist spectrum are ethical egoism, which focuses on consequences that benefit the individual; and utilitarianism, which focuses on consequences that benefit the group or society of the individual.. Ethical egoism asserts that we are all basically selfish creatures (IEP). ... In contrast, utilitarianism, also a consequentialist theory provides boundaries that do not exist in ethical egoism. Utilitarianism includes the principal of altruism, unlike ethical egoism, which does not (Wilkins 46). ... Consequentialist Ethical Theories. ...

• Word Count: 646
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

This ties into psychological and ethical egoism. Ethical egoism is the position that moral agents ought to do what is in their own self-interest. It differs from psychological egoism, which claims that people can only act in their self-interest. Ethical egoism holds that actions whose consequences will benefit the doer can be considered ethical. ... An idea that goes against ethical relativism is moral absolutism. ...

• Word Count: 1006
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

"Ethical Warfare" President George Bush once put forth, "Using military force makes sense as a policy where the stakes warrant, where and when force can be effective, where its application can be limited in scope and time, and where the potential benefits justify the potential costs and sacrifice." ... Although war itself can be backed by a number of ethical theories, ethical egoism sort of stands back and says, yeah if I was in charge on the United States, of course I am going to act the way I ought to act in order to save the already harmed and also save the innocent lives of people from d...

• Word Count: 1121
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Utilitarianism is the ethical principle that action is right if it tends to maximize happiness, not only that of the agent but of everyone affected by his/her act. ... Since everyone is considered equal, utilitarians disagree with any arbitrary distinctions as to who is worthy of concern and who isn't; meaning that they egoism, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination Epicurus was the first to introduce Utilitarianism to the world. ...

• Word Count: 568
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School