Egoism, Egalitarian, Inegalitarian

Egoism, whether descriptive or normative, is often conceived as an Inegalitarian principle, i. e. because the exclusive pursuit of one's own self-interest distinguishes one from others. On the other hand, any principle is essentially universal in scope, so, insofar as it applies indifferently in each of its instances, it is Egalitarian. Thus, the classification of Egoism as one or the other type of principle is a function of the context in which it is presented. For example, for Hobbes, Self-Preservation entails no Oligarchical privilege, and, hence, is an Egalitarian Psychological principle, as his consequent Political theory expresses. Likewise, for Smith, in his historical context, Self-Interest counters Feudal subservience as an economic motivation. Thus, contemporary Capitalists, who are typically a-historical, do not recognize their transformation of Smith's system, from its original Egalitarianism, to Inegalitarianism.