Reconciliation of Altruism and Egoism: A Critical Examination of Care Ethics, Stoic Oikeiosis, and Objective Ethics

Care ethics (CE) and Stoic oikeiosis (SO), a Stoic concept emphasizing interconnectedness and mutual benefit, offer a more compelling and altruistic ethical framework than Ayn Rand’s Objectivist ethics. Randian objectivist ethics prioritizes rational ethical egoism where individual rights and self-interest are the ultimate goal, often neglecting systemic power imbalances and social responsibilities; care ethics prioritize the importance of relationships, empathy, and commitment towards others. Similarly, oikeiosis emphasizes the natural human inclination to care for oneself and extend that care outwards in concentric circles to encompass family, society, and humanity. This work is tailored to answer two questions: (1) Are care ethics and Stoic oikeiosis moral demands devoid of egoistic inclinations? (2) If not, does ethical egoism help us actualize our desires better than care ethics? I answer these questions by arguing that Care Ethics and Stoic Oikeiosis are sometimes driven by implicit egoism. Yet, I conclude that the benefits of egoistic commitments of care ethics and oikeiosis outweigh the atomistic egoism of Rand’s objectivist ethics.