Is "Selfishness" Self-Destructive? A Deep Dive into Ayn Rand's Ethics

Have you ever struggled with the conventional understanding of "selfishness"? Do you wonder if pursuing your own happiness is truly moral, or if it inevitably leads to emptiness?

Join us for a challenging and thought-provoking discussion centred on Ayn Rand's profound ethical distinction: "Selfishness Without the Self." We'll explore:

• The "Second-Hander": Is living for the approval of others truly self-interested, or a form of "living death"?
• Whim-Worship: Can pursuing every fleeting desire lead to genuine happiness, or does it signify a lack of a coherent self?
• The Integrated Self: What does it mean to be genuinely "selfish" in Rand's ethical framework? How does this differ from traditional notions of egoism?
• The Virtue of Rational Self-Interest: How does Rand define a life lived by reason, for one's own sake, and why does she consider it the highest moral good?

This discussion group will focus intensely on the ethical implications of Rand's concept. We'll unpack the distinctions between genuine self-interest and its destructive counterfeits, and explore what it truly means to live as an independent, self-actualizing individual.

Whether you're curious about Objectivism, seeking a deeper understanding of ethical philosophy, or wrestling with questions of personal identity and happiness, your insights are invaluable.

The recommended reading for this discussion is Ayn Rand's essay, "Selfishness Without a Self," from her book, "Philosophy: Who Needs It?" The full text of the essay can be found at the link below:

https://courses.aynrand.org/works/selfishness-without-a-self/