Ethical self-interest is an ethical belief that each individual should follow their own path and is best for society. This outlook suggests that acting in our own interest can eventually lead to the greatest benefit for all.
The ethical view that people have inherent rights, or rights ethics, is another. This view suggests it’s wrong to infringe on the rights of others even though doing so may be beneficial for oneself and society.
It is crucial to think about the ethical consequences of your actions when working with people and individuals. Although both ethical egoism or rights ethics are useful for helping with ethical decision making, it is equally important to look at other perspectives and weigh all possible outcomes.
In situations where one might act in self-interest and endanger the rights or wellbeing of others, such as when one is confronted with the situation of being in an abusive relationship, it could be morally more ethical to put others’ interests first. If acting in one’s self-interest is not harmful to others, and can ultimately benefit all parties, it might be ethical.