Ethical Egoism And Act Rule Utilitarianism

Many different schools of thought can be used to address a moral conflict. Throughout our class we have discussed many theories and strategies to help understand why moral conflicts get solved different ways. These theories, particularly ethical egoism and act/rule utilitarianism, can be used to explore different ways in deciding the morality of whether or not Sarah would steal. Ethical egoism is defined as “the theory that the right action is the one that advances one’s own best interests.” (Vaughn, 78) According to this theory, it would be morally right for Sarah to steal. Her best interests, and the interests of her kids, would be advanced by stealing the food. It would keep them fed and hydrated. For this reason, ethical egoism “cannot