Is egoism the same thing as ethical egoism?

Answer by  elb (1105)

Egoism in psychology says people act in their best interest: it describes behavior. Ethical egoism in philosophy says people SHOULD choose in their own best interest.

Answer by  Bronagh (666)

Egoism is the belief that a person should be centered on his or her own life experiences and needs to the initial exclusion of all else. Ethical egoism is a closely related term, meaning a belief that an individual should make choices that primarily benefit himself or herself above all other considerations.