answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

In Ayn Rand's own words:

"My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest effort, and reason as his only absolute."

The Objectivist's philosophy is based upon three basic axioms:

1.) The axiom of existence..."existence exists."

2.) The law of identity..."existence is identity"

3.) The axiom of consciousness..."consciousness exists"

The Objectivist is someone who believes that rational self interest is the only way to happiness and happiness is ones moral duty. In order to do ones moral duty one must first know how to survive, to live. To live one must hold three ideals as the supreme ruling values of their life: reason, purpose and self esteem.

The way to happiness for an Objectivist is through his choices and actions, those actions being instrumental in maintaining ones own happiness. To make the proper choices that will sustain a life instead of accelerate demise, one must make choices as a rational being and being rational is a choice one makes. By choice one must discover how to sustain themselves, by choice one must discover what actions will lead to longevity and by choice one must necessarily view these conscious actions towards flourishing and prospering and longevity as virtues.

There is a difference then between "rational self interest" and "self interest without self". A hedonistic life is not "rational self interest" as ones actions are engaged in whims and desires regardless of the consequences of these actions. A being who uses "rational self interest" may desire things not conducive towards survival but understands this and refrains from entertaining these desires and pursues those ideals which contribute to his longevity and happiness.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is definition of objectiveism?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp