Ethical egoism

1. Act Egoism:

The moral theory that to determine right action, you must apply the egoistic principle to individual acts.

2. Altruism:

Acting for the benefit of others, often contrasted with egoism.

3. Paradox of Egoism:

The idea that, in order to achieve the goals of
egoism (e.g., happiness), one must give up egoism—because happiness requires deep, genuine relationships which depend on altruistic concern
for others.

4. Ethical Egoism:

The morally right action is the one that produces the
most favorable balance of good over evil for oneself.

5. Psychological Egoism:

A descriptive theory claiming that all human
actions are motivated by self-interest.

6. Rule Egoism:

The theory that to determine right action, you must see if an act falls under a rule that, if consistently followed, would maximize your self-interest.

7. Publicity Problem for Ethical Egoism:

Ethical Egoism seems to require that its adherents keep their moral views secret, since publicizing egoism would reduce trust and cooperation—yet a good moral theory should be one we can teach and share.