Ayn Rand’s Egoism: Theory and Analysis

Abstract

Ayn Rand was a Russian-born American philosopher, novelist, and playwright, whose interpretation of ethical egoism is one of the most important interpretations of this theory. Rand is a proponent of intellectual egoism, and rationalism is a fundamental element in her ethical theory. This article attempts to review, analyze, and criticize her interpretation of ethical egoism. Additionally, an ethical theory known as ego-altruism will be introduced in opposition to Rand's theory. Ego-altruism proposes that the pivot of ethics is to maintain balance and equilibrium between the self and others.