Objectivist Ethics with Tara Smith

This course will examine the foundational principles of Ayn Rand’s moral philosophy while addressing core questions that her theory typically raises. Its major topics will be: the foundations of value; the objectivity of value (in contrast with intrinsicist and subjectivist conceptions); survival “versus” flourishing; the causal character of moral guidance; the role of values and virtues; egoism. Principal readings will be essays and excerpts from Ayn Rand and Leonard Peikoff, supplemented with essays by other scholars of Objectivism.

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Course Includes

  • 9 Lessons
  • 15 Topics
  • 4 Writing Assignments
  • Course Faculty

    Tara Smith
    Tara Smith
    Tara Smith is a professor of philosophy at the University of Texas. Her main interests concern the nature of values and virtues, and the requirements of objective law. Dr. Smith's legal interests center around proper methodology in judicial review and First Amendment issues. Her current research concentrates on privacy (both as a personal value and a legal right), and psychological dimensions of moral values, including the psychological challenges of aging.

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