Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Rational Egoism: A Profile of Its Foundations and Basic Character
- 3 The Master Virtue: Rationality
- 4 Honesty
- 5 Independence
- 6 Justice
- 7 Integrity
- 8 Productiveness
- 9 Pride
- 10 Implications for Certain Conventional Virtues: Charity, Generosity, Kindness, Temperance
- Conclusion
- Appendix: Egoistic Friendship
- Select List of Works Consulted
- Index
10 - Implications for Certain Conventional Virtues: Charity, Generosity, Kindness, Temperance
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Rational Egoism: A Profile of Its Foundations and Basic Character
- 3 The Master Virtue: Rationality
- 4 Honesty
- 5 Independence
- 6 Justice
- 7 Integrity
- 8 Productiveness
- 9 Pride
- 10 Implications for Certain Conventional Virtues: Charity, Generosity, Kindness, Temperance
- Conclusion
- Appendix: Egoistic Friendship
- Select List of Works Consulted
- Index
Summary
We have now examined the major virtues that Rand considers crucial to the life of a human being. These, together, shed considerable light on the kind of conduct and character that will distinguish the rational egoist. Nonetheless, because Rand's moral ideal is so at odds with long and widely entrenched views, it is natural to wonder about other kinds of actions traditionally regarded as virtues. Although I have commented on the implications of Rand's theory for a few of these (courage, forgiveness, mercy, humility), many others remain. Particularly because Rand does not claim that the moral virtues she identifies are exhaustive, it will strengthen our understanding of her view to consider how certain additional kinds of action conventionally praised as virtues stand vis-à-vis Rand's theory. Space permits us to consider only a handful and one could explore even these in far greater depth than I will here. My aim is simply to indicate, based on what we have learned about Rand's reasoning, the implications for certain conventional virtues. Looking at these few, I hope, will provide insight into how she would evaluate others, as well. Because Rand's ideal person often strikes people as excessively self-absorbed, three of the traits I have chosen concern a person's relation with others: charity, generosity, and kindness. (Rand believes that the acceptance of altruism has created many confusions about proper human relationships.) We will also consider a fourth, temperance, whose prudential character makes it seem a strong candidate to win egoism's blessing.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Ayn Rand's Normative EthicsThe Virtuous Egoist, pp. 247 - 283Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2006