Altruism: The Ideal and Its Recipricol

Altruism is the alternative to ethical egoism it states everybody must give up his or her own self interest for others. This theory implies that there is something wrong with acting to benefit oneself, and if that is the case, it will never become a widely accepted theory because it will only work for saints. The basis of this theory makes sense but not when put in this ideal light. The way that Australian philosopher Peter Singer puts it makes more sense: Looking after the interests of others makes sense because, overall everyone benefits from it. But if you induct this theory into a situation, ultimately any altruist could be considered an egoist. If you are responsible for protecting someone during an altercation and that someone is responsible for protecting you. It is in your self interest to protect that person so he will protect you. It is still an egoist outlook, your companion is only used as a tool for your own security. This idea expressed in this analysis is called rational ethical egoism. The reason it is not considered another example of egoism self interest however is because it involves someone else’s interests too. It says that there is nothing wrong with keeping an eye out for yourself, so long as it doesn’t happen at the expense of someone else’s interests.