Reasonable selfishness - what is the theory of rational egoism?

The concept of rational egoism does not fit well into the notion of public morality. For a long time it was believed that a person should put the interests of society above personal ones. Those who did not fit into these conditions, declared selfish and betrayed the general censure. Psychology claims that a reasonable proportion of selfishness must be present in everyone.

What is intelligent selfishness?

The notion of reasonable egoism became the object of study not only by psychologists, but more so by philosophers, and in the 17th century, in the Age of Enlightenment, a theory of rational egoism finally emerged by the 19th century. In it, reasonable egoism is an ethical and philosophical position that just encourages the preference of personal interests over any others, that is, what has been condemned for so long. Does this theory enter into with the postulates of social life, and it is to be understood.

What is the theory of rational egoism?

The origin of the theory falls on the period of the birth of capitalist relations in Europe. At this time, the idea is formed that everyone has the right to unlimited freedom. In industrial society, he becomes the owner of his workforce and build relations with the society he will be guided by his views and views, including financial ones. The theory of rational egoism, created by the enlighteners, asserts that such a position is consistent with the nature of the person for whom the main thing is the love of oneself and the concern for self-preservation.

Ethics of reasonable egoism

In creating the theory, its authors took care that the concept formulated by them corresponded to their ethical and philosophical views on the problem. This was all the more important because the combination of a "reasonable egoist" was not well suited to the second part of the formulation, because by definition of an egotist was meant a person who thinks only of himself and who does not care about the interests of the environment and society.

In the opinion of the "fathers" of the theory, this pleasant addition to the word, always wearing a negative connotation, should emphasize the necessity, if not the priority of personal values, then, at least, of their equilibrium. Later this formulation, adapted to the "everyday" understanding, began to designate a person who conforms to his interests with the public, without entering into conflict with them.

The principle of reasonable egoism in business communication

It is known that business communication is built on its own rules, dictated by personal or corporate benefits. It provides for a profitable solution to issues that allow you to get the most profit and establish long-term relationships with the most useful business partners. Such communication has its own ethical norms and principles, which the business community formulated and singled out five main ones:

In accordance with the question under consideration, the principle of reasonable egoism attracts attention. It implies a respectful attitude to the partner and his opinion, while clearly formulating and defending their own (or corporate) interests. The same principle can work in the workplace of any employee: do your thing without interfering with others to do your own.

Examples of reasonable selfishness

In everyday life, the behavior of the "reasonable egoist" is not always welcomed, and often it is declared simply an egoist. In our society, denying the request is considered indecent, and since childhood, the guilt of the person who has allowed himself such "liberty" is formed. However, a competent refusal can become a good example of correct behavior, which will not be superfluous to learn. Here are just some examples of reasonable egoism from life.

  1. It is necessary to work extra . The chief insists that you stayed in the service today to complete the work that was not done by you, and there is no payment for it. You can agree, canceling plans and spoiling relations with relatives, but if you take advantage of the principle of reasonable egoism, having overcome the feeling of fear and uneasiness, calmly explain to the boss that there is no way to transfer (cancel) your plans. In most cases, your explanations will be understood and accepted.
  2. The wife needs money for another new dress. In some families, it has become a tradition that the spouse requires money to buy a new dress, although the closet is bursting with clothes. Objections are not categorically accepted. She begins to blame her husband for miserliness, lack of love, burst into tears, in fact, blackmail her husband. You can give in, but will this love, gratitude on her part, be added?
  3. It is better to explain to the wife that the money is put aside for the purchase of a new engine for a car in which the spouse takes her to work every day and from this purchase depends not only the good work of the car, but also the health and life of the passengers. In this case, the tears, cries and threats to go to my mother to pay attention is not necessary. Reasonable selfishness must prevail in this situation.

  4. An old friend once again asks for money . He promises to return in a week, although it is known that he will give them no earlier than six months. Refuse is inconvenient, but in this way you can deprive your child of the promised trip to the children's center. What is more important? Do not be ashamed or "educate" a friend - it's useless, but explain that you can not leave the child without rest, especially since he has been waiting for this trip for a long time.

The above examples reveal two positions of relations that require a thorough correction. Relations between people are still based on the superiority of the demanding or begging and uncomfortable state of the one who is asked. Although the theory has existed for more than two hundred years, reasonable egoism is still difficult to take root in society, which is why the prevailing situations are:

Reasonable and unreasonable selfishness

After the concept of rational egoism was published, the concept of "selfishness" began to be considered in two versions: reasonable and unreasonable. The first was considered in detail in the theory of the Enlightenment, and the latter is well known from life experience. Each of them coexists in the community of people, although the formation of reasonable egoism could do more good not only for society as a whole, but for individual individuals in particular. Unreasonable selfishness is more understandable and accepted in everyday life. In this case, it is often cultivated and actively planted, especially by loving parents, grandmothers and grandfathers.