Take a look at the Liberal philosophy. It seems based on the idea that the role of government is to perfect individuals. For example, “taxes should be collected from the public to be transferred to specific others for their better welfare.” So the individuals who are too “selfish” should be “perfected” by the government.
Then take a look at the Conservative philosophy. An important part emphasizes individual responsibility and accountability, and that opportunity to act on one’s selfish interest should be permitted. That is, it does not try to perfect the individual to some imposed standard. Rather, that the role of government best allows individuals to maximize their own welfare. And to do that, government must protect individuals and their rights.
[Note: credit to Sarah Palin, Going Rogue: An American Life