Ethics, is a system of principles for what's right and wrong. In ethics, there are four theories of motivation - ethical egoism, altruism, utilitarianism, and moral duty.
Definitions:
(a) Ethical Egoism
We should behave in a way that promotes our personal happiness in the long run.
(b) Altruism
We should sacrifice our personal interests for those of others.
(c) Utilitarianism
We should maximize the overall benefit for everyone involved.
(d) Moral Duty
We do something because we know we should do it.
I think it's difficult to decide on our motivations to do things, because [KI] how do we know what's right or wrong? Can we act on purely one type of motivation? Does acting on one type of motivation determines whether we are right or wrong? How can we decide what we should or shouldn't do? Who is to say about what's right or wrong?
I personally don't believe in constant pure altruism, and I don't think it's the right way to live. Yes, there are moments when we should sacrifice our personal interests for those of others, like giving help or volunteering for charity purposes. However, what is the point of living if you always live for other people? If so, your life doesn't belong to you. I think of utilitarianism similarly. We cannot always maximize the overall benefit for everyone involved because there will be times when we want benefits ourselves more than others. I'm not saying that we should be selfish, but I believe that we live for ourselves and help others when we are willing and able to.
I think that ethics is a difficult discipline to discuss because everyone, due to culture, background, and living environment, has a different set of principles of what's right or wrong. For me, I decide on whether what I'm doing is right or wrong by guilt. If I feel guilty or afraid, then I need to stop myself from doing what I'm doing.
Source of image: http://andyjenness.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/ethics.jpg
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