Egoism, altruism and self-deception

This paper represents an attempt to explain the interdependence of egoism and altruism as normative concepts and the possible practical and theoretical consequences if one intends to adhere to the either side of this dichotomy. As possible solutions to some problems arising from egoism and altruism author suggests that motivational mechanism shouldn’t been taken as disqualifying feature of an act or an agent. In the context of interrelation of egoism and altruism special attention is paid to self-deception as psychological, epistemological and ethical problem.