A Eudaimonist Reconstruction of “Selfishness” and “Altruism”
Definition of Selfishness: Selfishness occurs when an individual, in the process of pursuing their own eudaimonia (First Principle of Eudaimonia), violates the Second Principle of Eudaimonia (do not infringe upon the eudaimonia of others). In short, selfishness = execution of the First Principle of Eudaimonia + violation of the Second Principle of Eudaimonia.
Definition of Altruism: Altruism occurs when an individual prioritizes benefiting others, with the expectation of (1) receiving praise from others, thereby enhancing their own sense of pride and eudaimonia (a higher-order form of well-being under the First Principle of Eudaimonia); (2) improving their own credit rating, thereby attracting others to co-construct a eudaimonia-conducive environment with them (the Third Principle of Eudaimonia); and (3) ultimately obtaining a cooperation dividend (an increase in the e-value). Therefore, altruism is a rational strategy that takes co-construction as its path and pride and cooperation dividends as its returns—not a denial of one’s own well-being.