ETHC 445 Week 6 Discussion: Applying Rand’s Objectivism

ETHC 445 Week 6 Discussion: Applying Rand’s Objectivism

Student Name

Chamberlain University

ETHC-445 Principles of Ethics

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Date

Week 6 Discussion: Applying Rand’s Objectivism

Introduction

Ayn Rand’s Objectivism has often been criticized by her detractors as advocating self-interested selfishness. Her philosophical system rests on four key epistemological principles:

1. Metaphysics: The belief in an objective reality that exists independently of human perception.
2. Epistemology: Reason is the only means of gaining knowledge and understanding.
3. Ethics: Self-interest is not just a description of human behavior but also prescribes how one should behave.
4. Politics: Rand advocates for capitalism, where individuals, guided by self-interest, engage in voluntary exchanges and actions.
   In the early 1960s, a student asked a spokesperson for Objectivism how the poor would fare in an Objectivist society. The response was, “If you want to help them, you will not be stopped.” Based on Rand’s works, such as Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead, this response would likely reflect Rand’s philosophy that individuals should act according to their own judgment and values, without being compelled by societal obligations.

Initial Post

From the response given by the Objectivist spokesperson, it can be concluded that in an Objectivist society, individuals are free to act according to their personal values. If someone chooses to help the poor, they are not hindered by any laws or societal constraints, but are merely acting according to their own self-interest or moral code. This reinforces Rand’s belief in individualism and the sanctity of personal choice, where moral actions are not dictated by external pressures but by the individual’s own rational judgment.

When examining the idea that Objectivism, like moral relativism, contradicts ethical principles, it is important to clarify that Objectivism is based on a firm belief in objective moral truths. While moral relativism suggests that morality is subjective and varies based on individual or cultural perspectives, Objectivism asserts that ethical principles are grounded in reality and reason. Therefore, Objectivism does not reject ethics but rather provides a distinct framework for understanding ethical behavior, where actions are guided by rational self-interest aimed at preserving and enhancing one’s life.

Rand’s teachings offer a clue to understanding her philosophy in the statement, “Man must choose his actions, values, and goals by the standard of that which is proper to man – in order to achieve, maintain, fulfill and enjoy that ultimate value, that end in itself, which is his own life” (Introduction to Objectivism, n.d.). This emphasizes that individuals should make choices based on what is rational and in their own best interest, which is seen as the key to achieving personal fulfillment and well-being. It highlights Rand’s view that ethical decisions should be guided by reason and the goal of pursuing one’s own life as the highest value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Objectivism advocates for self-interest as a guiding ethical principle, it does not equate to moral relativism, as it emphasizes objective, rational standards for decision-making. Although it may conflict with certain collective notions of ethics, Rand’s philosophy presents a coherent system where individual autonomy and self-determined actions are fundamental.

References

Chamberlain University. (2018). Lesson 6: Ethics within Human Relationships. Retrieved from https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/34375/pages/week-6-lesson-ethics-within-human-relationships?module_item_id=4086714

ETHC 445 Week 6 Discussion: Applying Rand’s Objectivism

Introduction to Objectivism. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aynrand.org/ideas/philosophy