egoism
/'egouizm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Excessive concern for one's own interests and welfare: "Egoism" refers to an ethical stance or personal attitude where one prioritizes their own needs, desires, and well-being above those of others.
- (In ethics) The theory that self-interest is the foundation of morality: In philosophical contexts, "egoism" is the doctrine that the pursuit of one's own welfare is the proper basis for moral action and judgment.
Usage and Examples
Noun (General Usage):
- His egoism made it difficult for him to maintain friendships. (His excessive self-concern made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.)
- The company's culture was criticized for its rampant egoism and lack of teamwork. (The company's culture was criticized for its rampant self-interest and lack of teamwork.)
Noun (Philosophical/Ethical Usage):
- The philosopher argued for ethical egoism, claiming that rational self-interest leads to a better society. (The philosopher argued for ethical egoism, claiming that rational self-interest leads to a better society.)
- Psychological egoism is the view that all human actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest. (Psychological egoism is the view that all human actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest.)
Advanced Usage
- "Rational egoism": A form of egoism which argues that it is rational, not just natural or ethical, to act in one's own self-interest.
- The concept of rational egoism was central to her argument about individual rights.
- "Enlightened egoism": The idea that acting for the benefit of others can ultimately serve one's own long-term interests.
- His charitable acts were not purely altruistic but stemmed from a sense of enlightened egoism.
Variants and Related Words
- Egoist (n): A person who is self-centered or an adherent of the philosophy of egoism.
- He was labeled an egoist for never considering his colleagues' ideas.
- Egoistic (adj): Characterized by or derived from egoism; self-centered.
- Her egoistic behavior alienated her from the group.
- Egotism (n): While often used interchangeably in casual speech, "egotism" typically emphasizes an excessive sense of self-importance or a tendency to talk excessively about oneself, whereas "egoism" is more about the principle of self-interest.
- His constant bragging was a clear display of egotism.
Synonyms
- Self-interest: Concern for one's own personal advantage.
- Self-centeredness: Preoccupation with oneself and one's affairs.
- Selfishness: (A more common, often pejorative synonym) The quality of lacking consideration for others; being concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.
Antonyms
- Altruism: The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Selflessness: The quality of being more concerned with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Looking out for number one": (Idiom) Taking care of oneself first; a colloquial expression for egoistic behavior.
- In that competitive industry, everyone is just looking out for number one.
Noun
- concern for your own interests and welfare
- (ethics) the theory that the pursuit of your own welfare in the basis of morality