Objectivist ethics: the pursuit of rational self-interest

Ayn Rand is a novelist and philosopher who has been promoting the use of reason and laissez-faire throughout her novels most of her life.  “I am often asked whether I am primarily a novelist or a philosopher. – says Ayn Rand.  The answer is both. In a certain sense, every novelist is a philosopher, because one cannot present a picture of human existence without a philosophical framework; . . . To define, explain, and present my concept of man, I had to become a philosopher in the specific meaning of the term.”

Ayn Rand developed her philosophy which she called objectivism. Objectivism is a well-defined philosophy, which is well built from the core axioms and helps us not only to understand epistemologically how to derive knowledge through reason but also how to conduct ourselves properly in this world.  According to objectivist ethics, we should pursue our individual and rational self-interest.  

Ethics play a significant role in our lives as they provide a framework for determining right or wrong. Ethics guide our behavior and decision-making. They help us to navigate complex moral dilemmas and help us to act, as humans act, according to our values and principles. Humans always are guided by some sort of philosophy as we cannot act without determining the cause and effect of certain events, which form the philosophy of human conduct. Therefore, ethics play a crucial role in shaping our values and principles. Ethics play a crucial role in shaping our character guiding our actions and through our actions creating a more moral and fairer world. To understand why through the use of reason Ayn Rand maintains that men should pursue their individual and rational self-interest, we need to understand the main axioms she has built her philosophy.

·       The first one is that existence exists.

 This axiom affirms the world's objective reality and asserts that things exist independent of our consciousness. This means that the world exists before us and before our reason, it exists independently from us. It is not we who create the world, but the world that exists.

·       The second one is that consciousness is the consciousness of something.

 It states that our consciousness is a faculty that perceives and identifies the objects and events in the world. As I mentioned earlier existence exists without us and our consciousness is a tool of cognition of this world, not the other way around.

·       Third is that A is A.

This axiom emphasizes the law of identity, which states that each thing is itself and has a specific nature. Things exist independent of our consciousness, and they are as they are. We may grasp those things with our consciousness, but a tree will always be a tree, therefore A is an A, tree cannot be a rabbit.

·       Fourth is that reason is the only means of knowledge.

It holds that the reason is the faculty that enables us to understand and navigate the world and that it is the only reliable means of acquiring knowledge. Existence exists before our consciousness and our consciousness is given to us to understand the cause and effect of events through reason. Ayn Rand holds that intuition and emotion are not a good fit to understand this world without the use of reason.

·       The fifth axiom is that Man is an end in himself.

This axiom asserts that each individual has a moral right to pursue their own life and happiness and should not be sacrificed for the sake of others. Ayn Rand rejects altruism as altruism and says that men are worthy of a good life.

·       The last, sixth axiom is Individual rights.

 It states that individuals have the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness and that these rights should be protected by a proper minimal government and laissez-faire.

Reason

The reason according to Ayn Rand is an only valid method of acquiring knowledge values and virtues. Reason is a fundamental tool that enables individuals to understand this world and navigate the world around them. It is through reason that we can observe, analyze, and comprehend the cause and effect of events and phenomena.

Intuition and emotions are not reliable methods for comprehending the world. Ayn Rand does not deny the validity of emotions but asserts that they come from reason and are not reliable tools for acquiring knowledge. Objectivism is not against emotions, but emotionalism “What makes emotions incomprehensible to many people is the fact that their ideas are not only largely subconscious but also inconsistent– interprets Leonard Peikoff- Men can accept contradictions without knowing it. This leads to the appearance of a conflict between thoughts and feelings. “

Through reason, individuals can identify and analyze the underlying causes of events. They can discern patterns, connections, and correlations, which allow for a deeper understanding of the world. Reason allows us to move beyond surface-level observations and delve into the underlying principles and laws that govern the universe.

Furthermore, reason enables individuals to identify the consequences and effects of their actions. By employing reason, one can evaluate the potential outcomes and make informed choices that align with their values and goals. It allows individuals to anticipate the long-term effects of their decisions and take responsibility for the consequences that may arise.

In Rand's philosophy, reason is not only a means to understand the world but also a tool for personal growth and self-actualization. It is through reason that individuals can pursue their happiness and fulfillment. By relying on reason, individuals can make rational choices that align with their values, desires, and long-term goals.

Pride (The Man)

In Ayn Rand's philosophy, pride is a central virtue that stems from rational self-interest. Pride, according to Objectivism, is the recognition of one's worth and the commitment to achieving one's values and goals. It is not to be confused with arrogance or conceit but rather with a healthy self-esteem grounded in rational self-assessment. Pride motivates individuals to take ownership of their lives, pursue excellence, and seek self-improvement. By embracing pride, individuals affirm their capacity for achievement and uphold their dignity as rational beings capable of shaping their destinies.

The Good and The Bad:

Objectivist ethics distinguish between actions that contribute to one's rational self-interest and those that undermine it. The "good" in Objectivism refers to actions and behaviors that promote individual well-being, such as honesty, integrity, productivity, and justice. These virtues are seen as essential for achieving happiness and flourishing in life. Conversely, the "bad" encompasses actions that impede or harm one's self-interest, such as dishonesty, fraud, exploitation, and coercion. Objectivism condemns such behaviors as violations of individual rights and incompatible with the principles of rational self-interest.

Rationality:

Rationality is the cornerstone of Objectivist ethics and serves as the guiding principle for decision-making and moral judgment. Rationality entails the consistent application of reason to all aspects of life, including one's values, goals, and actions. It requires the willingness to think independently, critically evaluate information, and adhere to logical principles. Rational individuals strive to integrate their beliefs and actions in accordance with objective reality, seeking coherence and consistency in their thoughts and behaviors. By prioritizing rationality, individuals can navigate the complexities of existence with clarity and purpose, making choices that align with their long-term interests and values.

Objectivist Ethics in Practice:

In practice, Objectivist ethics provide a framework for living a principled and fulfilling life. By embracing rational self-interest, individuals are encouraged to pursue their passions, cultivate their talents, and achieve personal excellence. Rationality serves as a guide for making decisions that enhance one's well-being and contribute to the flourishing of human life. Objectivist ethics promote a society based on individual rights, voluntary cooperation, and respect for the autonomy of others. By upholding these principles, individuals can create a world where each person has the opportunity to pursue their happiness and thrive to the fullest extent of their abilities.

P.S. The Article is written with the help of CHATGPT as it was destined to be a lecture and was done in a short-time framework. I still find it useful to read.