egoism
)Ethical egoism is a normative theory that states that our actions ought to be done from the perspective of self-interest. ... Ethical egoism as a basic principle: Whether or not a system of egoism promotes the general interest, the only real reasons a person has to do anything are reasons of self-interest. This can be contrasted with both altruism and psychological egoism. ... Ethical egoism as a derived principle: It maximizes general happiness if everyone tries to promote his or her own interests. 2) Psychological egoism asserts the descriptive claim that all of our actions can be reduced to self-interest:.