Unrugged Individualism: The Selfish Basis of Benevolence

What is the nature of benevolence toward other people? How does it differ from altruism? Is it a major or minor virtue? How does it relate to the benevolent sense of life? David Kelley answers these questions in a groundbreaking work first published in 1996 and revised in 2003. Unrugged Individualism is the first philosophical analysis of benevolence from the Objectivist point of view, a major addition to the Objectivist ethics, and a convincing demonstration of the fertility of the system of ideas originated by Ayn Rand. Praise for Unrugged Individualism: “I found David Kelley's Unrugged Individualism fascinating and provocative.” —Lester Hunt, professor of philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison "In his superb monograph on benevolence as a necessary Objectivist virtue, Dr. Kelley beautifully fills a major gap in the Objectivist ethics. It is a much needed contribution. Every Objectivist needs to study this essay." —Nathaniel Branden, author of The Psychology of Self-Esteem and Th