Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics
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15
Ratings1
Average rating5
Smith covers extensively a single issue in Rand's conception of virtue, namely that the list of virtues is open-ended (allowing for what may not yet be recognized as a virtue) and that all specific virtues are examples of a prime one. This main one is Rationality (the unimpeded use of one's mind to apprehend fact, so that one may build proper foundations for judgement and action in life). Others (like honesty, integrity and pride) are treated each with a separate chapter.
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An in-depth exploration of the seven specific virtues advocated by Ayn Rand's egoism philosophy and the value basis of rational self-interest.
I thought the book was extremely well-written and organized. The author took care to bring up counter-arguments and ways Rand's philosophy is misunderstood in relation to these virtues, then proceeds to logically defend Rand's ideas with clear references to what Rand actually wrote or said.
Reading the book has made me much more aware of how I define ethics and values for myself. I'm encouraged to become less reliant on “pithy” generalizations and oversimplification that seem to be prevalent these days in the media. I made lots of notes while reading this book because I was surprised at how little I had really thought about just what a value or a virtue is, or what justice means, for example.
The book is an example to me of good writing in philosophy. I plan on reading more of this author's books and looking up the sources she used.
