Honest Selfishness for Authentic Existence: The Objectivists Perspective

Abstract

The issue of selfishness has been a central topic in intellectual history. Various theories of egoism; the view that selfishness is good, have been propounded over the years, though selfishness is often considered a vice and selfish actions are often judged to be wrong. Is doing what is best for oneself morally wrong? But sometimes we ought to do what is best for ourselves. In other words, we sometimes should be selfish. What makes an action wrong and right? Kantians say it is whether anyone is used as a 'mere means.” Consequentialists say it is consequence of an action that tells a wrong or right action. Egoists say it is really how an action impact self-interest. Ayn Rand argued that “selfish” is the correct designation for a person living according to the objectivist ethics and that selfishness is a virtue. This paper therefore appraises the concept of “Honest Selfishness” through a historical analysis of the concept 'selfishness' within the framework of the objectivists ethics. The validity of the claim that selfishness is virtue is examined to ascertain its implication for ethics in general. The idea of selfishness stems from the ethical discourse of a moral and immoral actions. Its relevance is felt both in the academic and practical life. The paper concludes that selfishness is wrongly defined and the action that benefits the actor is misconceived. Accordingly, a selfish person is a virtuous and authentic person