Discuss each kind of egoism. Rational egoism purports that it is logical to be guided by self-interest. Ethical egoism contends that a person should act in her own self-interest. Psychological egoism is the theory that regardless of what a human should or shouldn't do, she will always be guided by self-interest. Question your students about what kind of egoism they subscribe to and why. Ask them to provide examples of how egoism is apparent in society. For example, talk about ways in which egoism might affect individual performances at work and on sports teams.
Have students keep egoism journals. By writing down the decisions they make every day and their observations about other people, students will be able to see egoism at work in the real world. Discuss ways in which this new lesson has affected their lives. Perhaps it has made some students act toward the greater good of society, versus their own self-interests.
Study egoism in literature and film. Breaking down characters in popular books and movies is another way to show how egoism is a universal theme. For example, in "Silence of the Lambs," the character of Clarice Starling chases the villain Hannibal Lecter. Some students may have different ideas about her motivation, whether it is driven by her desire to protect the public or her self-interest in atoning for her past.
Write term papers about the studied character. Using a traditional five-paragraph format, ask students to pen an introduction to their theory on the character's motivating force. In the three middle paragraphs, demand that they use examples from the story to back up their claim. Specific scenes and character quotes should be mandatory. The conclusion should restate the theory and leave the reader with any personal thoughts on egoism.