Rational Self-Interest

'Rational Self-Interest' is a key concept in some Political and Economic orientations. However, it is unclear exactly what it means. The traditional analysis, including that of the school Adam
Smith came from, is that self-interest is an instinctual drive, which would make it irrational, and would, thus, make the phrase 'rational self-interest' oxymoronic. Perhaps some would maintain that self-interest is a product of rational choice. However, given that Reason abstracts from personal differences, it could not be the source of a differentiation between oneself and anyone else. So, again the phrase seems meaningless. On the other hand, perhaps there is a distinction to be drawn between irrational and rational self-interest, for example, between the seeking of immediate satisfaction, and that of a calculated deferred satisfaction. Indeed, many do subscribe to the latter principle, but while the modifier 'prudential' seems appropriate, 'rational' still does not. For, even in Prudence, Reason remains a slave to the passions, as Smith's pal Hume has put it. Furthermore, bringing the full power of Reason to bear on Self-Interest will, again, only demonstrate that if Reason has any interest in selfhood, it is to all selves, equally, therein once more rendering Rational mere Self-Interest an impossibility. So, 'Rational Self-Interest' is a meaningless phrase, probably intended to dignify Selfishness, about which its advocates seem to lack the courage of their convictions.