Articolo in rivista

Ferri E (2012). Egoismo e Giustizia ne L’Unico e la sua proprietà di Max Stirner. I-LEX, vol. 7, p. 297-318, ISSN: 1825-1927

EGOISM AND JUSTICE IN THE “EGO AND ITS OWN”

BY MAX STINER

 

Abstract.

“The Ego and its Own” (Leipzig 1844) the main work of Max Stirner, analyzes the relationship and the contrast between the Justice and the Philosophy of egoism.

Stirner reverses the layout of classical anthropology that validates a rule of conduct if bound to well recognized principles, values or interests socially acceptable.

Stirner believes that the only reality is represented by the single individual, original, and “unique” (Einzige). An individual, the “egoist”, who is exclusively seeking for his own benefit and does not recognize universal principles nor any other form of interest that would benefit others.

Consequently, Stirner cannot accept principles that force the individual to become an integral part of a state, society or nation and therefore, annulling his identity.

He rejects also concepts of justice or correct behaviors related to universal rule or dictated by abstract entities such as society.

He identifies the need of respecting rules and regulations, by assigning specific goals and missions to the individual, as the reason of going against personal interest, egoism. The author of the article, on the other hand, feels that Stirner, by glorifying the “Einzige” as the purest expression of egoism and pressing for its implementation, poses new forms of goals, rules, and justifications.

Key words. Justice, egoism, justification, rules, individual, power