Journal Article

Ethical Egoism and Biblical Self-Interest
by J.P. Moreland

• Title: Ethical Egoism and Biblical Self-Interest
• Date: 1997
• Source: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 59 (1997), 257-68
• Article Type: Journal Article
• Audience: Intermediate
• Kingdom Categories: Life of the Mind

In this article, I try to show why ethical egoism is a defective normative ethical theory and, given this conclusion, I offer ways to understand a biblical concept of self-interest that does not entail the truth of ethical egoism.

First, I clarify the precise nature of ethical egoism.

Second, I summarize the main types of the argument in the literature for and against ethical egoism and conclude that it is inadequate.

Third, I offer a set of important distinctions for understanding biblical self-interest while avoiding ethical egoism.

Related Content: If this article interests you, you might also want to consider the following

• Body & Soul (book)
• Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview (book)
• Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult (book)

Benefits:

• It clearly shows how self-interest is a biblical idea.
• It models how biblical discussions about important ethical concepts can converse with major ethical theories.
• It provides a helpful exposition of the strengths and weaknesses of ethical egoism and how it is ultimately inadequate as a theory.

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