Ayn Rand and the Ethics of Selfishness | Tara Smith

Brain in a Vat

Has selfishness been misunderstood? Is there a way of defending Ayn Rand’s egoism?

Tara Smith confronts challenging questions about morality, individual rights, and the balance between personal and societal well-being.

Read Smith’s book here: https://a.co/d/5r4HfXb

[00:00] Introduction to Ayn Rand and Egoism

[00:21] Challenging Common Perceptions of Self-Interest

[02:40] Objective vs. Subjective Self-Interest

[05:17] The Role of Rationality in Human Flourishing

[11:02] Principles of Human Flourishing

[14:33] The Practicality of Moral Theories

[26:54] Case-by-Case Basis in Moral Decisions

[31:05] Identifying Through Lines in Ethics

[31:46] Context Sensitivity in Moral Principles

[36:06] Altruism and Self-Interest

[36:52] Martians, Sociopaths, and Moral Obligations

[39:29] Species Needs and Moral Values

[42:48] Health, Psychology, and Individual Needs

[48:03] Freedom, Government, and Individual Rights

[54:16] Evolutionary Psychology and Randian Theory

[01:03:01] Conclusion and Final Thoughts