Peikoff - Virtue - Introduction

Question 1

Rationality is a broad abstraction.

Now we must learn more fully how to apply it to the concrete choices of human life.

Answer 1

We must study the DERIVATIVE virtues (and values) recognized by the Objectivist ethics.

Question 2

Since these virtues are EXPRESSIONS of rationality, they are logically interconnected, both in theory and in practice.

Answer 2

None can be validated in isolation, apart from the others—nor can a man practice any one of them consistently WHILE DEFAULTING on the others.

Question 3

In defining a series of virtues, Ayn Rand is abstracting, separating out for purposes of specialized study elements of a SINGLE WHOLE.

Answer 3

What she seeks to clarify by this means, however, is THE WHOLE.

==> The Objectivist ethics upholds not disconnected rules, but an INTEGRATED WAY OF LIFE.

==> Every aspect of which entails all the others.

Question 4

The essence of this way of life, as we know, involves a certain relationship between man’s consciousness and reality.

In a primacy-of-consciousness philosophy, …

Answer 4

Virtue consists of allegiance to the ruling consciousness, such as God or society.

Question 5

In AR’s philosophy, virtue consists of allegiance to …

Answer 5

EXISTENCE.

==> Of man recognizing the FACTS and then acting accordingly.

Question 6

The virtues are differentiated from one another according to …

Answer 6

The particular METAPHYSICALLY GIVEN FACTS they identify.

Question 7

In AS, AR defines 6 major derivatives of the virtue of rationality.

The list is not exhaustive and the order not logically mandatory.

Answer 7

AR’s concern was not to cover every application of virtue, but to identify the ESSENTIALS of rationality in the most important areas of human life.

==> Minimum moral knowledge needed by a man if he seeks to follow reason consistently, as a matter of principle, in his daily choices and actions.

Question 8

The 6 derivative virtues are:

Answer 8

Independence — Integrity — Honesty — Justice — Productiveness — Pride.

Question 9

After we have discussed them, we will consider a widespread vice, which represents the destruction of all of them.

Answer 9

The vice is the INITIATION OF PHYSICAL FORCE AGAINST OTHER MEN.