Böcker av Tara Smith

Ayn Rand controversially defended rational egoism, the idea that people should regard their own happiness as their highest goal. Given that numerous scholars in philosophy and psychology alike are examining the nature of human flourishing and an ethics of well-being, the time is ripe for a close examination of Rand's theory. Egoism Without Permission illuminates Rand's thinking about how to practice egoism by exploring some of its crucial psychological dimensions. Tara Smith examines the dynamics among four partially subconscious factors in an individual's well-being: a person's foundational motivation for being concerned with morality; their attitude toward their desires; their independence; and their self-esteem. A clearer grasp of each, Smith argues, sheds light on the others, and a better understanding of the set, in turn, enriches our understanding of self-interest and its sensible pursuit. Smith then traces the implications for a broader understanding of what a person's self-interest genuinely is, and, correspondingly, of what its pursuit through rational egoism involves. By highlighting these previously underexplored features of Rand's conceptions of self-interest and egoism, Smith betters our understanding of how vital these psychological levers are to a person's genuine flourishing.

As Tara's life story led her to begin the process of adopting a child from China, she had no idea of the cost or how adoption worked in the United States, much less in China. Adopting internationally can be a daunting process for anyone, but especially for a single mother. In a guide tailored for any parent either considering or currently moving through the process of international adoption, Smith shares valuable insight and practical tools that will help anyone navigate through this major life decision that includes filling out complex paperwork, choosing an agency, financing the process, traveling to a foreign land, preparing the home, and adjusting to a new normal once the child arrives. Throughout her presentation, Smith offers a glimpse into her own experiences as she moved through each challenge to finally attain the joy of meeting her daughter for the first time.

This volume 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.

Seeking a way out of today's bewildering rush of rights claims, Tara Smith offers here a systematic account of the nature and foundations of rights. The book shows what political freedom is and demonstrates why it should be protected by rights.