Objectivism in One Lesson: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Ayn Rand » (New Edition)

For the millions of readers who love Ayn Rand's novels and who seek to understand her revolutionary philosophy of Objectivism, there has not been available a simple and concise introduction to her thought. Objectivism in One Lesson is that book.

1 Why Philosophy? 1

2 Values as the Meaning of Life 11

3 Egoism vs. Cynical Exploitativenes 21

4 Rationality as the Fundamental Means of Achieving Values 25

The First Statement of The Lesson

5 The Universe as an Intelligible Natural System 37

6 Objectivity as the Method of Rational Cognition 47

7 Man the Hero 57

8 The Nature of the Good 65

9 Virtue as a Requirement of Survival 73

10 The Moral and the Practical 91

11 Individual Rights and Government 99

12 Capitalism as the System Embodying Rational Philosophical Principles 107

Epilogue: The Lesson of Objectivism Re-Stated 117

End Notes 119

Bibliography 123

About Ayn Rand's Philosophy 125