Egoism as an ethics and the problem of self-alienation

• Main Author: Teodoro, Jeanne Rimorin
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Egoism; Ethics; Depersonalization; Philosophy
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/2212
• Institution: De La Salle University

This thesis addresses the problem of self-alienation. Self-alienation is defined as the condition wherein a person experiences a loss of his or her identity. Due to the influences of traditional beliefs and societal dictates, a self-alienated person loses identity and the control over his or her life. As an effect, a person is subjected to the rule of external authorities and projects an idealized version of personhood. As the solution to the problem of self-alienation, this thesis proposes egoism as an ethics. Egoism as an ethics deals with man's life as the ultimate value and his self-interests as self-generated values that sustain his existence. It entails two aspects: first is that an individual should regard his or her own life as the greatest value and second, everything he or she wishes or desires has to be initiated by the individual in respect to affirmation to his or her existence and uniqueness. It discusses two views on egoism by Ayn Rand and Max Stirner. Rand's view on egoism is called rational selfishness. It claims that the promotion of one's self-interest is always in accordance with reason. While, Stirner's philosophy of egoism is depicted in the development of an individual as he or she overcomes the authorities that prevailed in different stages of his life. It is necessary to compare and analyze their philosophy in addressing the problem of self-alienation. It will attempt to answer the question how egoism as an ethics addresses the said problem. It will also present a comparative analysis of Rand's and Stirner's philosophy of egoism and how Rand notion of freedom is inefficient in addressing the main problem.