What is the ethical framework that advocates for individuals pursuing their own self-interest?

The ethical egoism framework is based on the principle that individuals should act in a way that promotes their own self-interest. This perspective emphasizes personal benefit as a guiding factor for ethical behavior, suggesting that individuals are morally justified in pursuing their interests if it leads to their own welfare and happiness.

This framework encourages decision-making that prioritizes one's own needs and desires, asserting that this self-focused behavior can, in turn, lead to better outcomes not only for the individual but also for society at large. While ethical egoism is often contrasted with other ethical theories, it is a key concept in discussions about personal responsibility, motivation, and ethics in business and personal contexts.

In contrast, the utilitarian framework emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number, the rights-based framework focuses on the rights of individuals, and the social contract framework centers around mutual agreements within a society. These approaches incorporate broader considerations beyond individual self-interest, making them distinct from ethical egoism.