A Defence of AYN Rand‘s Rational Egoism

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.