Abstract:
Egoism has been considered by several scholars as a theory that presents a
multiplicity of problems. It is argued on several occasions that a theory that
proposes selfishness as the sole criterion for assessing the acceptability and
unacceptability of an action, merely presents objectionable ideas. These ideas
that are considered as objectionable are used as the basis for refuting ethical
egoism in general. This has given grounds to the several criticisms egoism
faces. To be fair to all versions of egoism and inferring from the fact that all
the varying versions of egoism have different constituent elements in their
development, this study sets out to draw a line between the rational egoism of
Rand and the subjective egoism. Using an evaluative pattern through
explanations and analysis, this study aims at presenting the objective
principles underpinning Rand‘s rational egoism. The study points out that
there are differences between the subjective conception of egoism and the
rational conception of egoism. These differences tend to present the general
criticisms against egoism as trivial cases in the face of Rand‘s rational egoism.
The study further identified that the ethical pillar of Rand‘s objectivism
provides a great trajectory for political and social systems that latch onto its
principles. Given this, it is recommended that political and social systems built
on Rand‘s ethical pillar have far-reaching implications on the nation
concerned.
