egoism

            Before one can compare and/or contrast ethical egoism and utilitarianism one must first know the meaning of each to determine whether they are to be compared or contrasted. Ethical egoism with respect to philosophy is defined as pursuit of your own welfare and interests: making personal welfare and interests your primary or only concern, sometimes at the expense of others. Egoism can also be defined as a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions (2) or individual self is either the motivating moral force and is, or should, be the end of moral action. Egoism divides into both a positive and normative ethic. The positive ethic views egoism as a factual description of human affairs, that is their own interests and desires motivate people. The normative ethic is that they should be so motivated. (3) These definition should not allow it audience to think that egoism is egoism is not the only motive for action. In order for egoism to explain the intricacy of life, life itself and the action of others would need to be made effortless. Because this cannot be done egoism cannot be considered a moral truth. One flaw of this theory would allow one to believe that people need the help of those around them in order to have the desired outcome. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. Even with this there is no guarantee that others will respond in the expected manner bring to point flaw number two. .
             Utilitarianism is defined as the ethical doctrine that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the criterion of the virtue of action. (1). A doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences; specifically: a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number (2). For utilitarianism to be a moral truth the word good must be first understood.