The Virtue of Selflessness: An Answer to Ayn Rand's Objections to Altruism

Ayn Rand in particular, and Objectivists in general, insist on arguing against a strawman form of suicidal altruism designed for the sole purpose of looking ridiculous. They argue against this false, suicidal altruism because their poorly conceived principle of narcissistic selfishness cannot withstand a toe-to-toe confrontation with the real principle which guides American and democratic ethics around the world: the principle of enlightened altruism.

There exists a general moral duty to reasonably, rationally, and selflessly render aid to those in need. The argument for why a duty to aid exists is beyond the purpose of this writing. The focus here will instead be on defining the duty's scope. Importantly, the existence of a duty to enlightened altruism does not render acts done in self-interest morally wrong. At worst, it renders acts done in self-interest morally neutral.

"Reasonably" as used here means "without excessive cost to the actor." It is intended to limit the scope of the duty to aid. "Rationally" means "in a manner calculated to have beneficial effect; not wastefully." It is intended to act as both a limitation on the duty to aid, and an affirmative requirement of it. "Selflessly" means "not motivated primarily by self-interest." It is intended as an affirmative requirement before an act be called "altruistic," thus satisfying the duty to aid.

The purpose of adhering to a general duty to reasonably, rationally, and selflessly aid others is to make the world a better place than it would be without adherence to the duty. It is this underlying purpose which guides formation of the duty's definition.