PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM Meaning and
Definition
-
Psychological egoism is a theoretical perspective within the field of psychology that asserts that all human actions are fundamentally driven by self-interest. According to this view, individuals are inherently selfish and only engage in actions that they believe will bring them personal benefits or maximize their own well-being. Psychological egoism posits that people are ultimately motivated by a desire to promote their own happiness, and any seemingly selfless behavior can be explained as an indirect way to satisfy their own needs or desires.
Proponents of psychological egoism argue that even seemingly altruistic acts are driven by a person's subconscious pursuit of their own self-interest, as they believe that any action, regardless of its apparent selflessness, will result in some form of personal satisfaction or psychological reward. Critics of this theory, however, contend that acts of true altruism, where an individual's actions are genuinely motivated by selflessness and concern for others, can and do occur.
Psychological egoism is primarily concerned with understanding human behavior through a lens of self-interest and personal motivations. It explores the underlying motivations behind seemingly selfless actions and poses the idea that true selflessness may not, in fact, exist. This theory has been a subject of debate within the field of psychology and is often contrasted with ethical theories, such as ethical egoism or altruism, which focus on the moral obligations or principles that influence human behavior.
Etymology of PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM
The term "psychological egoism" is composed of two main components: "psychological" and "egoism".
1. The word "psychological" is derived from the Greek word "psukhē" meaning "soul" or "mind", and combined with "logos", which refers to "study" or "knowledge". Therefore, the term "psychological" in this context indicates an investigation or understanding of the mind or mental processes.
2. The term "egoism" comes from the Latin word "ego", meaning "I" or "self", and the suffix "-ism", which denotes a belief system or doctrine. Therefore, "egoism" refers to the ethical theory or belief in one's self-interest as the motivating force behind all actions.
