Strengths of Egoism Weaknesses of Egoism

S4 Revision
Making Moral Decisions
Describe Egoism
Egoism is a moral stance used by egoists when they have a moral decision to
make.
Egoists are people who believe that their most important duty is to do
whatever is in their own best interest. Their moral decision making is only
concerned about what is best for the individual. They believe that their own
well-being is more important than the good of others.
What is right for one egoist may not be considered right for another egoist.
They could have different best interests and have different views from
each other.
Egoism is not the same as selfishness. Selfishness is to do with immediate
satisfaction for yourself or to expect other people to do what is in your own
interest. The egoist, on the other hand, will often look at their long-term
self-interest.
Strengths of Egoism
• Egoism gives people a lot of freedom to decide what is right or wrong.
• The actions or decisions of an Egoist can be beneficial for other
people as well.
• Egoist would argue that it is only common sense to do what is best for
oneself.
Weaknesses of Egoism
• Egoists would never act according to what is best for the majority if
it is of no benefit to them.
• Egoists may also be able to justify unacceptable actions as morally
rights. (E.g. the exploitation of coffee pickers in Africa might be
tolerated since it provides coffee for a reasonable price.

Describe Religious Authority
When religious people are faced with making moral decisions they rely on the
teachings of their faith. They try to find some answers or guidelines in
their holy books or they try to find out what their religious leaders have to
say about the issue a religious person has to be decided upon.
Religious people will make decisions based on their faith as they want to
please God in all their actions in life. They believe this will be best for them
in this world and in any existence after death.
Strengths of Religious Authority
• Teachings of a religious authority will decide on what is best for the
whole of the community and not just the individual.
• Religious people will usually find it easy to make a decision on moral
issues since their religious authority gives them clear guidance on such
issues.
Weakness of Religious authority
• A religious person may not have the same freedom or choice as a nonreligious
person when deciding about a moral issue. This can also lead
to a lack of flexibility in responding to moral issues.
Explain the Importance of Moral Stances
Moral Stances are important because:
We make our decisions in life according to our moral stances
These moral stances are things we believe in
They guide us in all our decision-making
They help us to understand other people’s point of view