PsychologyAugust 28, 2026

egoism

EE-goh-iz-uhm

Definition

The ethical theory that considers self-interest as the proper foundation of all moral behavior and values.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'ego' meaning 'I', the term emerged in the 19th century to describe the philosophical or behavioral focus on one's own interests.

In the news

The author identifies Ayn Rand’s philosophy as being grounded in ethical egoism, which prioritizes the individual's rational self-interest over mutual obligations to others.

Why I Believed Ayn Rand—and Why I Was Wrong

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