How would any one person know what is the right thing to do if there is no standard by which to figure it out?

Question

What will be the case of egoist's view, where you do things for your own advantage and not worry about others feelings or society's overall good?

Answer 1

is that thing beneficial ? is it harming others ? is it worth it ?

Answer 2

The person would create their own standards on which to base their actions. Standards not given by a dogma or doctrine, but rather by their own rationality. It is possible to figure out if an action is right or wrong without being told by society/religion what the standards are.

Per the definition of egoism:
1 a : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the actual motive of all conscious action b : a doctrine that individual self-interest is the valid end of all actions.
The idea is that if EVERYONE looked after their own interests, if rational self-interest was accepted as the primary motivator, and no one looked to others for their validation or meaning, all of society would benefit. An egoist's point of view holds that we create our own standards... sort of, egoism doesn't directly define a point of view on morality, other than that altruism truly benefits no one (it makes people dependent on one another in a bad way-- the receiver for aid, the giver for validation). Egoists look after their own interests, but it's usually in your interest not to do things that violate your personal idea of morality, things that are "bad," or things that will get you arrested. :)

Answer 3

There IS a standard by which to figure it out -- your own Will. That's the only standard there really ever is (or was).

This is kind of the heart of Existential Philosophy. It leads to some degree of angst, since you can't have any certainty about doing "the right thing." Ultimately, all you have is what you personally choose, which is based on your ability to know what you really will for yourself, and what you think you are.

Some say this is an almost hopeless situation to be in, but it's also a very empowering perspective. You get to choose your actions for yourself, based on what you choose to believe about yourself and the world around you. Once you decide what those beliefs are, then the challenge is to live up to them in everything you do (this is called integrity). However, once you have decided, you can live by this maxim: "do only that which is right."

Answer 4

There are many situations in life where one needs to form an opinion without the aid of a "standard", and the solution to doing so is the human brain.

Humans form personal opinions on music, food, art, life mates, and clothing styles (to name a few) using little or nothing in the form of a "standard" to form that opinion. In fact, attempting to use a standard in most of those cases would be ludicrous. Can you imagine pre-determining that you don't like a particular song based on a standard that only a certain artist can create a song you like?

In the same manner, humans form opinions of right and wrong.

If a human did need a standard for every opinion, there would be no growth. The bible, for example, was used repeatedly to justify slavery 200 years ago. Luckily, the biblical standard of the day was ignored by enough people to declare the practice as wrong, and allow the practice to be stopped.

Answer 5

He or she might begin by pondering possible eventual outcomes while evaluating what would serve one's self and others best so as to each one's desired goal.

This does not presuppose the rightness or wrongness of a thing, nor an idea, it is goal oriented with the realization that no thing is independent from the world in which it lives nor from the others with whom one lives.

It at least a starting point.

Answer 6

There is common sense applied to whatever the situation maybe, there are so called universal laws, a sort of do unto others as you would want done to you, and there are societies laws, which apply to what ever society yr living in.
As you are a product of yr enviroment all, or none of the above can be used.

Answer 7

there are a lot of ppl who actually identify the right thing to do with the most profitable thing to do.the right thing is impossible to determine and when sb's talking about "the right thing",there's a high chance he's wrong,but generally it is what will make you feel more satisfied with yourself as a person in the end.

Answer 8

Do that which causes no physical or emotional pain to another human being. That is the way of Enlightenment and the Buddhist way. Peace to all sentient beings.

Answer 9

If, biologically and theologically, there is no standard, right and wrong would cease to exist. So, problem solved.

Answer 10

Humans have a born instinct to what is right or wrong. If you don't have this instinct than you are considered a nut case.

Answer 11

it may depend on the situation, but i usually like to go with my gut instinct...basically whatever leaves your conscience in peace. but it all references back to our values and morals... everyone is different so you may think otherwise.