egoism
Definitions
In ethics: the doctrine that self-interest is the proper basis of action or morality.
（伦理学）利己主义：认为自利是行为或道德的正当基础的学说。
The habit of acting purely in one's own interest; selfishness.
纯粹按自身利益行事的习惯；自私自利。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedego (self) + -ism (doctrine, belief) = the doctrine of the self — the ethical theory that one's own interest should guide action. The -ism marks it as a *theory* or *-ist position*, not a personality trait, which is what separates egoism from egotism.
Root ego still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
Egoism is a term of philosophy, not insult. Ethical egoism argues that pursuing your own self-interest is morally right; psychological egoism claims people always do act from self-interest. Because it ends in the clean -ism (the same suffix as capitalism, altruism), it stays abstract and theoretical — quite different from the everyday flaw named by egotism.
Common Collocations
- 1.ethical egoism伦理利己主义
- 2.psychological egoism心理利己主义
- 3.rational egoism理性利己主义
Example Sentences
- 1.
The philosophy class debated whether ethical egoism can justify ignoring the poor.
- 2.
Critics accused the policy of rewarding pure egoism over the common good.
Easily Confused
egoism vs egotism — Easy to mix up because of the single letter t. Egoism (no t) is the philosophical doctrine that self-interest should guide action — an abstract, ethical theory. Egotism (with t) is the personality flaw of constant boasting and inflated self-regard. Test: a textbook discusses egoism; an annoying coworker shows egotism.