A New Book Illuminates the Moral Psychology of Egoism

“For even if a person subscribes to egoism and conscientiously strives to practice it, certain internalized, subconscious dispositions can work against his success,” Tara Smith notes in her new book Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psychology of Ayn Rand’s Ethics.

Smith, a professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin, specializes in the nature of values, virtues, and the requirements of objective law. Her body of work includes books such as Ayn Rand’s Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist; Viable Values: A Study of Life as the Root and Reward of Morality; and The First Amendment: Essays on the Imperative of Intellectual Freedom, as well as numerous scholarly articles and chapters in works focused on Objectivism.

Her newest book, Egoism Without Permission is aimed at people who consider themselves students of Ayn Rand and practitioners of rational egoism, particularly those who encounter the psychological difficulties of living out the radical morality given the dominant anti-egoist culture we have all grown up in.

Smith observes that at the root of the issue is the view that morality’s authority is independent of personal desires and interest. On this religiously influenced view you are required to prove yourself a good person in order to deserve a good life.

Smith argues persuasively “that a particular kind of motivation is critical to rational egoism and its ability to help people to flourish.” For Smith, this means that the source of morality’s authority is its ability to help you live the life you desire. This major insight brings into focus the moral psychology necessary to achieve and maintain a happy life.

The book promises to be an illuminating read for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering fresh insights into the complexities of Ayn Rand’s philosophy and its implications for achieving lifelong happiness. Whether you’re a philosopher, psychologist, or simply curious about the intersection of ethics and psychology, Smith’s book offers a compelling exploration of the psychology of egoism and its relevance in today’s world. The book is currently available  for purchase on Amazon.

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