Question

Can a selfish person be a moral person? Can a self-interested person be a moral person? Explain the difference, if there is any, between being selfish and being self-interested? What are the differences between acting prudently and acting morally? Is being moral always in a person's best interest? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Yes definitely selfish person can be a moral person as it is not necessary that a selfish can't be moral person because morality is something which enable a person to do right acts and in ethical way. So it is for sure that selfish would always consider his benefit first but he could also consider morality after confirming his selfishness.

If we talk about self-interested person then I would say there is no difference between selfish and self interested person as both are self centered which means both want to do self benefit first and they have nothing to do with others. So the concept of morality would be apply to self centered person too.

Acting prudently could be defined as dealing or handling sensitive or practical matters in a sensible or smart way to find a solution of the problem. Whereas, acting morally means to do the act in a ethical way by confirming that it is beneficial for all and doesn't impact anyone in adverse way.

It is being moral always in a person's best interest as morality takes the person in a right path and he would never feel guilty for his moral act because they are always right and never violate the social norms.