RELIGIOUS STUDIES A LEVELS
ETHICS AND RELIGION MODEL ESSAY ANSWERS
WJEC EDUQAS (Ethical Egoism)
“Egoism destroys community cohesion” (30)
Ethical egoism is a meta-ethical, normative and agent-centred theory which argues that the best
form of morality is when everyone acts in their own self-interest, as opposed to altruistically.
The theory is linked to German philosopher Max Stirner in his book: “The Ego” and is also
supported by thinkers such as Peter Cave. Ethical Egoism focuses on the consequences of an
action and argues that whichever consequence is best for the agent is morally permissible.
Community cohesion can be defined as a shared sense of belonging for all groups in society.
Ethical egoism only allows community cohesion if everyone adheres to it, which is unlikely in
practice. Therefore, this essay will conclude that ethical egoism destroys community cohesion.
Max Stirner may have argued that ethical egoism does not destroy community cohesion as all
people are encouraged to form communities, thus, those who are less fortunate such as the
disabled and minority groups are protected. The union of egoisms serves all people as a special
community that is unprincipled. The Stanford Encyclopaedia summarises it as the “egoist’s
future if said to consist not of wholly isolated individuals, but rather in relationships of uniting”,
which demonstrates that all people are encouraged to join such unions. It promotes the idea
that society should be composed in such a way that the idea of cooperation is recognised to
one’s uniqueness, not chaos. This means that egoists would respect the difference of each
member and support them to pursue their best individualistic actions, whilst having no shared
telos. Therefore, ethical egoism enables community cohesion as the egoists can construct
temporary connections with other egoists for their own benefit whilst still being independent.
However, Stirner does not suggest that there is equality within these unions as all agents are
still independent and self-determining, which does not prevent exploitation of the
disadvantaged people within unions of any form of bigotry. This means that within the union of
egoists, some may flourish in the environment, whilst others will be forced to pay a price for
their success. Therefore, Stirner’s theory does not allow a sense of belonging for all groups in
society, thus, destroys community cohesion.
Ethical Egoism is permitted for everyone to realise their deep-seated desires and to act within
that interest. This is supported by Peter Cave who argues we “ought always to act
self-interestedly”. Cave goes on to give the example from Adam Smith (18th century economist)
who claimed, “it is not from the benevolence of the butcher that we expect our dinner but from
their regard to their own interest”. This means that the butcher is benefiting from selling meat
as he is getting paid. Hence, we do not suddenly act selfishly because we demonstrate concern
for others without realising it, when it benefits us in the long-term. Therefore, ethical egoism
