egoism

A philosophical doctrine which asserts that all knowledge derives from the phenomena of personal existence; specifically, the opinion of one who thinks that everything is uncertain except his own existence. Also the love of self, like egotism that is a primary component of objectivism.
It is the opposite of altruism.

E"go*ism (?), n. [F. 'egoisme, fr. L. -ego I. See I, and cf. Egotism.]

1. Philos.

The doctrine of certain extreme adherents or disciples of Descartes and Johann Gottlieb Fichte, which finds all the elements of knowledge in the ego and the relations which it implies or provides for.

2.

Excessive love and thought of self; the habit of regarding one's self as the center of every interest; selfishness; -- opposed to altruism.

 

© Webster 1913.