These four ethical viewpoints differ not only in their metaphysical premises, but also in their epistemological orientations. Egotism, hedonism, and altruism all arise from either an intrinsicist or a subjectivist epistemological base. Such epistemological perspectives, as was seen in Section 1, treat consciousness rather than reality as primary (pp. 1.3:48-9). Consequently, egotism, hedonism, and altruism are in practice consciousness-oriented rather than reality-oriented.

Most obviously, both the egotist and the hedonist treat the desires of their own consciousness as taking precedence over facts of reality. The altruist also regards feelings of "compassion" or "concern" as supremely important. Any investigation of the actual effects of one's actions on their supposed beneficiaries becomes quite secondary. If an action arises from generous motives or from a commitment to doing one's duty, that action is ipso facto morally desirable. This outlook is clearly evident in the examples on the next two pages.