The human race has debated over the differences between altruism and egoism for centuries, some debates have even lead to the creation of religions, cultural norms and taboos all over the world. ... As defined by Merriam-Webster, altruism is the "feeling and behavior that shows a desire to help other people as well as a lack of selfishness "1 while egoism is defined as "a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action "2. ... In order to live an ethical life according to Kant's system, an individual must perform acts, specifically altruistic acts. ... ...

• Word Count: 1864
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

According to the theory of psychological egoism, no act of sharing, sacrificing, or helping can be referred to as true altruistic (Vander, 2008). ... According an ethical doctrine, the term altruism may be used to refer to the fact that people are obliged to benefit from other people. When used in this context, the idea of altruism contrast with egoism, which refers to an individual's act meant to benefit one's self. ...

• Word Count: 1376
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate