Ethics
Introduction
Ethics, as the normative core of Anarcho-Objectivist philosophy, defines the principles by which individuals ought to act to sustain their lives and achieve flourishing. This ethical framework asserts that morality is objective, derived from the facts of reality and man’s nature as a rational being. Anarcho-Objectivism, building on Objectivism, holds that ethical principles guide individuals toward life-affirming actions, rejecting coercion and embracing reason as the sole arbiter of value. This article provides an exhaustive, analytical exploration of the ethical principles that underpin our ideology, drawing on the precise formulations of Rand, Leonard Peikoff, and LiquidZulu.
Life as the Standard of Value
Life as the standard of value is the most fundamental principle of Objectivist ethics, asserting that the ultimate value is an individual’s own life, and all moral actions are judged by their contribution to sustaining it. As Ayn Rand states, “The standard of value of the Objectivist ethics… is man’s life, or: that which is required for man’s survival qua man” (The Virtue of Selfishness). This principle establishes that values are not arbitrary but objective, derived from the biological and rational requirements of human survival. Man’s life, as a rational being, demands the exercise of reason to produce the means of sustenance, making life the root of all ethical evaluation.
To deny life as the standard is to reject the basis of value itself, leading to contradiction. The denier must act to sustain their life to even articulate the denial, presupposing the value they negate. For instance, claiming that death is the standard requires living to make the claim, contradicting the premise. Without life as the standard, no values, no choices, no ethics are possible, as all action presupposes existence.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, life as the standard underpins our rejection of coercive systems that sacrifice individual survival for collective ends. LiquidZulu reinforces this by arguing that “to negate the value of life would be to immediately contradict oneself, as said negation would have to be performed by a living man” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). His emphasis on life’s undeniable value aligns with Rand’s view, ensuring that Anarcho-Objectivism advocates a society where individuals pursue their survival through reason, free from aggression.
Reason as the Source of Value
Reason as the source of value is the second most fundamental principle, identifying reason as the faculty that enables man to identify and achieve life-sustaining values. Rand articulates, “Man’s mind is his basic tool of survival. Life is given to him, survival is not” (Atlas Shrugged). Reason allows man to discover what is pro-life, from producing food to building shelter, and to evaluate actions based on their alignment with survival. This principle depends on life as the standard, as reason serves the goal of sustaining existence.
Denying reason as the source of value leads to a performative contradiction. The denier uses reason to argue against it, presupposing its validity. For example, claiming that emotions or faith determine values requires reasoning to formulate the claim, contradicting the denial. Without reason, no identification of values, no purposeful action, no survival is possible, as man would be reduced to instinct or whim.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, reason’s primacy ensures that ethical actions are rational, rejecting mysticism or collectivism. LiquidZulu’s argumentation ethics complements this, asserting that “argumentation is a rational activity, and aggression is the enemy of reason” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). By grounding ethics in reason, Anarcho-Objectivism ensures that individuals act on objective values, fostering a non-coercive society where rational judgment prevails.
The Choice to Live as the Root of Ethics
The choice to live is the third principle, establishing that ethics begins with an individual’s decision to pursue life. As Rand explains, “The Objectivist ethics holds man’s life as the standard of value—and his own life as the ethical purpose of every individual man” (The Virtue of Selfishness). This choice is pre-moral, as ethics applies only to those who opt to live; without it, no values or obligations exist. This principle presupposes life as the standard and reason as the means, as the choice to live activates the need for rational action.
To deny the choice to live as the root of ethics is to claim that ethics applies without volition, which is incoherent. The denier presupposes their own choice to live to argue, contradicting a non-volitional ethics. For instance, asserting that man must obey ethical rules without choosing life ignores the fact that only living beings act, undermining the premise. Without the choice to live, no ethics, no purpose, no action is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, this principle ensures that ethics respects individual volition, rejecting forced duties. LiquidZulu’s view that “choice itself has value implications” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics) aligns with Rand, emphasizing that choosing life entails ethical commitments. Anarcho-Objectivism advocates a society where individuals freely choose to live and act rationally, free from coercion.
Rational Egoism as the Ethical Purpose
Rational egoism is the fourth principle, asserting that each individual’s own life is their ultimate ethical purpose, pursued through rational self-interest. Rand declares, “The Objectivist ethics proudly advocates and upholds rational selfishness” (The Virtue of Selfishness). This means acting to achieve one’s own long-term survival and happiness, guided by reason, without sacrificing oneself to others or others to oneself. It depends on prior principles, as it presupposes life as the standard, reason as the means, and the choice to live.
Denying rational egoism—embracing altruism or collectivism—leads to contradiction. The altruist claims one ought to sacrifice for others, but presupposes their own life to make the claim, contradicting the denial of self-interest. For example, demanding that one live for others requires the sacrificer to survive, affirming egoism implicitly. Without rational egoism, no consistent pursuit of values is possible, as action becomes self-destructive.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, rational egoism ensures that individuals prioritize their own flourishing, rejecting coercive demands. LiquidZulu’s NAP aligns here, as it protects individual self-ownership, ensuring no one is forced to sacrifice (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). The axiomatic nature of self-ownership reinforces that Anarcho-Objectivism fosters a society where rational self-interest governs voluntary interactions.
The Virtue of Rationality
The virtue of rationality is a corollary of reason and rational egoism, defining the primary moral obligation to think and act in accordance with reality. As Rand states, “Rationality is man’s basic virtue, the source of all his other virtues” (The Virtue of Selfishness). Rationality requires a commitment to facts, logic, and non-contradictory identification, rejecting evasion or whim. It depends on prior principles, as it serves the goal of sustaining life through reason.
To deny rationality is to contradict the act of denial, which requires rational thought. The denier uses logic to argue against logic, presupposing its validity. For instance, claiming that faith trumps reason assumes a rational framework to assert faith’s superiority, undermining the claim. Without rationality, no virtues, no values, no survival is possible, as action becomes arbitrary.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, rationality ensures that ethical actions align with reality, rejecting irrational ideologies. LiquidZulu’s argumentation ethics supports this, noting that “evasion is undeniably bad” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics), as it rejects truth. Reason’s role in truth-seeking ensures Anarcho-Objectivism promotes a rational, non-aggressive social order.
The Virtue of Independence
The virtue of independence follows rationality, requiring individuals to rely on their own judgment and effort to achieve values. Rand explains, “Independence is the recognition of the fact that yours is the responsibility of judgment and nothing can help you escape it” (The Virtue of Selfishness). This virtue rejects second-handedness, such as conforming to others’ opinions or living off others’ efforts, and depends on rationality, as independent judgment requires reason.
Denying independence contradicts the act of asserting the denial, which presupposes individual judgment. The conformist claims others’ minds should guide action, but uses their own mind to argue, contradicting the premise. For example, relying on “society’s” values assumes one’s own evaluation of society, affirming independence. Without independence, no rational action, no self-sustaining life is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, independence ensures that individuals are self-reliant, rejecting collectivist dependency. LiquidZulu’s NAP implicitly supports this by assigning property rights to individuals, not collectives (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics), ensuring no one is coerced into dependence. Self-ownership reinforces Anarcho-Objectivism’s vision of a society where independent individuals interact freely.
The Virtue of Integrity
The virtue of integrity is the commitment to act according to one’s rational convictions, refusing to betray principles for expediency. Rand articulates, “Integrity is the recognition of the fact that you cannot fake your consciousness” (The Virtue of Selfishness). Integrity means practicing what one preaches, aligning actions with rational values, and depends on rationality and independence, as it requires consistent adherence to reason-based principles.
To deny integrity is to contradict the act of holding any principle, as denial presupposes a conviction one refuses to act on. The hypocrite claims principles don’t require action, but their claim is itself a principle they act to assert, contradicting the denial. For instance, advocating honesty while lying assumes integrity in advocating, undermining the hypocrisy. Without integrity, no consistent values, no moral identity is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, integrity ensures that individuals uphold rational ethics, rejecting coercion that demands betrayal of principles. LiquidZulu’s view that “evasion or pro-falsehood is anti-life” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics) aligns with integrity’s demand for truth. Consistent non-aggression ensures Anarcho-Objectivism fosters a society where individuals act with principled consistency.
The Virtue of Honesty
The virtue of honesty is the refusal to fake reality, in thought or action, to gain a value. Rand states, “Honesty is the recognition that the unreal is unreal and can have no value” (The Virtue of Selfishness). Honesty requires acknowledging facts, rejecting deception of self or others, and depends on rationality and integrity, as it demands truth and consistent action. Honesty serves life by ensuring actions are based on reality.
Denying honesty contradicts the act of asserting the denial, which presupposes a commitment to truth. The liar claims reality can be faked, but their deception relies on others’ honesty to succeed, presupposing the value they deny. For example, lying to gain wealth assumes the victim values truth, contradicting the liar’s premise. Without honesty, no trust, no rational interaction is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, honesty ensures that social interactions are reality-based, rejecting fraud or coercion. LiquidZulu’s argumentation ethics supports this, as “the conscientious attempt to perceive reality… is the essence of honesty” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). Truth-seeking in discourse ensures Anarcho-Objectivism promotes a society where honesty underpins voluntary cooperation.
The Virtue of Justice
The virtue of justice is the commitment to evaluate and treat individuals according to their actions and character, rewarding the good and condemning the evil. As Rand explains, “Justice is the recognition of the fact that you cannot fake the character of men” (The Virtue of Selfishness). Justice requires objective judgment, granting each person what they deserve based on their rational or irrational conduct, and depends on prior virtues, as it demands rationality and honesty in evaluation.
To deny justice is to contradict the act of moral evaluation, which the denial itself requires. The denier claims character doesn’t matter, but their argument presupposes evaluating others’ worth, contradicting the denial. For instance, excusing evil actions assumes a judgment about fairness, affirming justice implicitly. Without justice, no moral accountability, no rational society is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, justice ensures that individuals are judged by their adherence to reason, rejecting systems that reward irrationality. LiquidZulu’s NAP embodies justice by assigning property rights to non-aggressors, ensuring “the rational should be rewarded, the irrational condemned” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). Fair conflict resolution reinforces Anarcho-Objectivism’s commitment to a just, non-coercive society.
The Virtue of Productiveness
The virtue of productiveness is the commitment to creating the material means of survival through rational effort. Rand articulates, “Productiveness is your acceptance of morality, your recognition of the fact that you choose to live” (The Virtue of Selfishness). Productiveness involves transforming reality to sustain life, from farming to innovation, and depends on rationality, independence, reason, and effort, as it requires rational effort and independence.
To deny productiveness is to contradict the need to sustain life, which the denier presupposes by existing. The parasite claims they need not produce, but their survival depends on others’ productivity, presupposing its value. For example, demanding unearned goods assumes someone produced them, affirming productiveness. Without productiveness, no values, no survival is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, productiveness ensures individuals sustain themselves, rejecting parasitic systems. LiquidZulu’s homesteading principle supports this, as it assigns property rights to those who first direct scarce means, rewarding productive use (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). Self-reliance aligns with Anarcho-Objectivism’s vision of a productive, non-coercive society.
The Virtue of Pride
The virtue of pride is the commitment to achieve one’s own moral perfection by striving for excellence in rational virtues. As Rand states, “Pride is the recognition of the fact that you are your own highest value” (The Virtue of Selfishness). Pride is earned through consistent practice of virtues, demanding self-esteem and ambition, and depends on all prior virtues, as it requires their full expression.
To deny pride is to reject the pursuit of moral excellence, contradicting the act of valuing anything. The humble denier claims self-worth is irrelevant, but their denial presupposes their own value as a thinker, affirming pride. For example, rejecting ambition assumes one’s own worth to judge, contradicting humility. Without pride, no self-esteem, no drive for virtue is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, pride ensures individuals strive for rational excellence, rejecting self-abnegation. LiquidZulu’s emphasis on “the good as that which is pro-life” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics) supports pride by valuing rational achievement. Individual excellence ensures Anarcho-Objectivism fosters a society where pride drives rational flourishing.
The Non-Aggression Principle as Ethical Axiom
The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP), while not explicitly part of Rand’s ethics, is a key contribution from LiquidZulu to Anarcho-Objectivist ethics, asserting that initiating conflict is unjust. LiquidZulu defines the NAP as “an axiom of law that assigns the property right to the individual who did not initiate a given conflict” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). Ethically, it means one ought not aggress, as aggression contradicts the rational pursuit of life. This principle depends on life, reason, and justice, as it protects rational individuals from coercion.
Denying the NAP leads to a performative contradiction, as LiquidZulu argues: “To try and dispute the NAP you have to first accept that it is true” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). The denier engages in conflict-free argumentation, presupposing non-aggression, yet claims aggression is justifiable, contradicting their act. Without the NAP, no rational ethics, no peaceful interaction is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, the NAP ensures that ethical interactions are voluntary, aligning with Rand’s rejection of force. The NAP’s axiomatic status reinforces that Anarcho-Objectivism advocates a society where non-aggression governs, protecting rational egoism.
Law as a Subset of Ethics
Law as a subset of ethics, another contribution from LiquidZulu, asserts that legal norms are ethical norms applied to conflicts over scarce means. He argues, “Law is a subset of ethics which identifies which party ought have possession in a given conflict” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). This principle is ethical, as it concerns what individuals ought to do in disputes, ensuring justice aligns with rational morality. It depends on justice and the NAP, as it applies ethical principles to social interactions.
To deny that law is a subset of ethics is to claim that legal claims are not moral claims, which is contradictory. LiquidZulu notes, “A claims that he cannot justify his direction of the use of α, but also that he should nevertheless be its director… therefore A is in contradiction” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). The denier presupposes ethical justification in arguing, contradicting the separation. Without this principle, no rational legal system, no justice is possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, this principle ensures that laws reflect ethical truths, rejecting arbitrary fiat. Law’s ethical foundation ensures Anarcho-Objectivism promotes a society where rational ethics governs non-coercive interactions.
Dismantling Hume’s Guillotine
Dismantling Hume’s Guillotine, a significant contribution from LiquidZulu, addresses the fact-value dichotomy, proving that ethical oughts derive from factual is-statements. He argues, “The negation of the NAP is an ought statement that implies a contradiction, contradictions are false, therefore the NAP is true—it is a true ought statement” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics). This is ethical, as it establishes the objective basis of morality, aligning with Rand’s view that every "is" implies an "ought". It depends on reason and life, as it grounds values in reality.
Denying this principle contradicts the act of ethical deliberation, which presupposes values tied to facts. LiquidZulu notes that “to negate the value of life would be to immediately contradict oneself” (The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics), as living presupposes valuing life. The denier argues while living, affirming the is-ought connection. Without this, no objective ethics, no rational values are possible.
In Anarcho-Objectivism, dismantling Hume’s Guillotine ensures that ethics is reality-based, rejecting subjectivism. This transcendence reinforces Anarcho-Objectivism’s commitment to a society where rational values guide non-coercive actions.
Conclusion
The ethics of Anarcho-Objectivism, rooted in Ayn Rand’s Objectivism and enriched by LiquidZulu’s contributions, provides a rigorous framework for rational, life-affirming action. Life as the standard, reason as the means, and the choice to live establish the foundation, with rational egoism guiding individuals to pursue their own happiness. The virtues of rationality, independence, integrity, honesty, justice, productiveness, and pride ensure consistent adherence to reality, while LiquidZulu’s NAP, law as a subset of ethics, and dismantling of Hume’s Guillotine reinforce that morality is objective and non-aggressive. Each principle is indispensable, and denying any leads to contradiction, as such denials presuppose the rational values they reject.
References
- Rand, Ayn. Atlas Shrugged.
- Rand, Ayn. The Virtue of Selfishness.
- Peikoff, Leonard. Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand.
- LiquidZulu. The Fundamentals of Libertarian Ethics. liquidzulu.github.io/libertarian-ethics/
- LiquidZulu. https://www.youtube.com/@LiquidZulu