As to egoism and altruism, it was only in the 17th. and 18th. centuries that morality came to be understood as offering a solution to human egotism and the content of morality came to be largely equated with altruism. Altruism in this period becomes socially necessary, yet when it occurs it is inexplicable. (i.e what is Altruism? discuss).
However if we wind the clock back from the 17th century we find that in the
ancient world such problems do not arise. For in the traditional Aristotelian
view there is no way of my pursuing my good which is antagonistic to your good.
Because the good is not particularly mine, nor yours, the good is not private property.
The egoist is thus, in the ancient (and this viewpoint endured until the medieval world);
always someone who has made a fundamental mistake about where his own good lies.
And you wonder why we still have Athens envy. Don't you?
reference: Alisdair MacIntyre After Virtue (my adaptation)
However if we wind the clock back from the 17th century we find that in the
ancient world such problems do not arise. For in the traditional Aristotelian
view there is no way of my pursuing my good which is antagonistic to your good.
Because the good is not particularly mine, nor yours, the good is not private property.
The egoist is thus, in the ancient (and this viewpoint endured until the medieval world);
always someone who has made a fundamental mistake about where his own good lies.
And you wonder why we still have Athens envy. Don't you?
reference: Alisdair MacIntyre After Virtue (my adaptation)
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