Product Description

In this newly revised edition, David Kelley asks: What is the nature of benevolence toward other people? How does it differ from altruism? How does it relate to the benevolent sense of life? David Kelley answers these questions in a groundbreaking work. Unrugged Individualism is the first philosophical analysis of benevolence from the Objectivist point of view, and a major addition to the Objectivist ethics.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #226273 in Books
• Published on: 2003-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 52 pages

Review
David Kelley's careful and comprehensive analysis... is a memorable contribution to the study of Rand's ideas. -- Stephen Cox, professor of literature, University of California, San Diego

I found David Kelley's Unrugged Individualism fascinating and provocative. -- Lester Hunt, professor of philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison

In his surperb monograph on benevolence..., Dr. Kelley beautifully fills a major gap in the Objectivist ethics. -- Nathaniel Branden, author of The Psychology of Self-Esteem and The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

About the Author
A nationally-known philosopher, teacher, and writer, David Kelley has taught philosophy and cognitive science at Vassar College and Brandeis University. He is the founder and Executive Director of The Objectivist Center, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the works of Ayn Rand and her philosophy of Objectivism. His books include The Evidence of the Senses, The Art of Reasoning, and A Life of One's Own: Individual Rights and the Welfare State.

Customer Reviews

Antidote
In a world in which Judeo-Christian "altruism" is the opiate of the masses, the polemisists for this ideology have waged a smear campaign against its arch-enemy. So much for "altruism" towards those with whom they disagree. Evidence Garrison Keillor's book "Homegrown Democrat" for a scree on hatred and intolerance that rivals "Mein Kampf" in its high-strung tenor of bigotry and populist anti-intellectualism against one's "enemies." Along comes David Kelley, who presents an eminently convincing argument for the value of human dignity and life based not on the "revealed truth" of a gaseous vertebrate, or its secularized version, the state, but on the premise that human life must be the standard of all moral and ethical systems. He demonstrates very convincingly that tolerance and benevolence toward our fellow humans is an outgrowth of the recognition of the value of our own lives above the value of the group. He shows that the practice of egoism is a positive affirmation of human life as an ethical primary which enables one to feel comfortable with being tolerant of others' opinions, cultures, etc. As a consequence, one develops a generalized sense of benevolence not only toward our fellow human beings, but also to reality. Kelley's book takes its place among the growing galaxy of positive discussions of ethical egoism that started with Ayn Rand, and Nathaniel Brandoen's "The Virtue of Selfishness."

Why the true egoist is nice
I thought this was a terrific book. It's one flaw may be that it's too short for the topic; or perhaps it's too much aimed at those already familiar with Objectivism, or with ethical egoism in general, so that some readers (like the top 50 reviewer below) remain confused about the distinction Objectivists are trying to make between altruism and egoism. (Personally I don't like the word 'egoism,' but what can you do, that's what they [philosophers] call it). The reviewer seemed to think that any "other regarding" activity cannot be egoistic. Now, while making love, I may concentrate entirely on my partner's pleasure, not on my own; does that make such lovemaking "altruistic"? I don't think so! Or saving someone from drowning; while you're doing it you are being "other directed" -- but there are few greater rushes than saving someone's life! If it feels good, and enhances your life, it's egoistic; that's (crudely summarized) the argument being made. Part of the problem may be the darned word "ego," which is a lousy word to stand in for "true self," "highest self," "deepest and most essential nature," but it seems to be the word we're stuck with. BTW, I'm not myself an Objectivist -- for other, unrelated, reasons.

Very good analysis for filling up a critical gap (mainly in terms of details) in Objectivist literature
Kelley presented his analysis with right blend of references from Rand's work (which are not many) and his own original ideas. The level of details is really appropriate (Not too much repetetion, Not too much condensed). I think any admirer of Ayn Rand's work (As well as of Branden's work) would find it an essential read