𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗺, 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Tuesday, September 9, 2025
𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗺, 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

In her essay "Altruism as Appeasement," Ayn Rand argues that the intellectual's embrace of altruism is often a form of psychological appeasement rather than genuine moral conviction. She posits that many intelligent individuals feel guilt for their intellectual abilities and use altruistic ideals as a means to "atone" for this perceived transgression and gain acceptance from others.

This leads to a discussion point: Does the pursuit of "good" or "the greater good" sometimes stem from a desire for social acceptance or a fear of being an outsider, rather than a true belief in the cause? Rand suggests that this behavior can lead to a loss of self-esteem and a contempt for the very people one is trying to "save" or impress, ultimately resulting in a form of intellectual and moral cowardice. Let's discuss this philosophical topic that resolves around the true motivations behind human actions.

Read the text and come to the discussion!
https://courses.aynrand.org/works/altruism-as-appeasement

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Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Hayek Saal, Grünangergasse 1/15-1, 1010 Wien
Enter the green gate, on the left ring at Hayek Institute
Hayek Saal is on the first floor to the right