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Viable Values: A Study of Life as the Root and Reward of Morality
Viable Values examines the most basic foundations of value and morality, demonstrating the shortcomings of major traditional views and proposing that morality is grounded in the objective requirements of human life. Smith argues that human beings need to be moral in order to live, explaining how life is the standard of morality, how flourishing is the proper end and reward of living morally, and how an intelligent egoism is the path to flourishing.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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About the author
Tara Smith
105 books28 followersTara A. Smith (born 1961) is a professor of philosophy and holder of the BB&T Chair for the Study of Objectivism and holder of the Anthem Foundation Fellowship for the Study of Objectivism at the University of Texas at Austin.
Smith specializes in moral and political theory. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Virginia and received her doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. Her published works include the books Viable Values: A Study of Life as the Root and Reward of Morality (2000), Moral Rights and Political Freedom (1995), and Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist (2006). She is also a contributing author to several essay collections about Ayn Rand's novels. Smith has written in journals such as the Journal of Philosophy, American Philosophical Quarterly, Social Philosophy and Policy, and Law and Philosophy.
Smith has lectured all across the United States including Harvard University, Wheeling Jesuit University, Duke University, University of Pittsburgh, and New York University, and to groups of businessmen. She has also organized conferences, often ones emphasizing objective law.
She is on the board of The Philosopher's Index and is on the Academic Advisory Council of The Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism at Clemson University. Smith is a member of the Ayn Rand Society,which exists within the American Philosophical Association. She is also affiliated with the Ayn Rand Institute.
Smith specializes in moral and political theory. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Virginia and received her doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. Her published works include the books Viable Values: A Study of Life as the Root and Reward of Morality (2000), Moral Rights and Political Freedom (1995), and Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist (2006). She is also a contributing author to several essay collections about Ayn Rand's novels. Smith has written in journals such as the Journal of Philosophy, American Philosophical Quarterly, Social Philosophy and Policy, and Law and Philosophy.
Smith has lectured all across the United States including Harvard University, Wheeling Jesuit University, Duke University, University of Pittsburgh, and New York University, and to groups of businessmen. She has also organized conferences, often ones emphasizing objective law.
She is on the board of The Philosopher's Index and is on the Academic Advisory Council of The Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism at Clemson University. Smith is a member of the Ayn Rand Society,which exists within the American Philosophical Association. She is also affiliated with the Ayn Rand Institute.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 4, 2022
Amazing book! Thoroughly explains the foundations of Objectivist ethics.
May 27, 2013
I value this title highly. At a particularly difficult time I happened to have it in the courier bag I carry with me when I travel. Dealt a life-changing blow on one of my trips, the book's anchoring effect in its treatment of the giant topic of Ethics was a reassuring life preserver. I am back on the road to flourishing again thanks in part to this title worthy of repeated reading.
February 21, 2008
Profoundly excellent book! Wonderful, wonderful description of an Objectivist code of ethics! Should be a required reading for high school students, in my opinion! Great guide for how to life one's life.
January 23, 2016
Excellent book delving into the details of Ayn Rand's ethical theory's foundation on life as the standard.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews