Subjectivist egoism: its main forms of pathologic psychology

 First:

Rational egoism, as articulated by Ayn Rand, is the ethical principle that an individual's self-interest is best served through the use of reason and adherence to objective reality. It is a moral framework where one's actions are guided by rational thought, objective values, and long-term considerations, ensuring that one's choices genuinely promote one's life and well-being [1].

In contrast, subjectivist egoism is a form of egoism that is based on the arbitrary whims, emotions, or subjective desires of an individual. This form of egoism does not rely on objective principles or rational thought, but rather on personal impulses and feelings, which can be fleeting and irrational [6].

The key difference between the two lies in their foundation: rational egoism is grounded in reason and objective reality, whereas subjectivist egoism is based on personal subjectivity and emotionalism.

 Rational egoism demands that individuals pursue their self-interest with integrity and respect for the rights of others, while subjectivist egoism often leads to actions that are impulsive and potentially destructive, lacking a coherent or principled approach to life [5].

In summary, rational egoism emphasizes the importance of reason and objective reality in pursuing one's self-interest, whereas subjectivist egoism is driven by subjective feelings and lacks a rational basis [1][5].

Sources

1 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger

2 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

3 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

4 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand expanded 2nd edition edited by Harry Binswanger and Leonard Peikoff containing never-before published philosophical material by Ayn rand

5 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

6 Understanding Objectivism by Leonard Peikoff. Edited by Michael S. Berliner

In addition:

Subjectivist egoism manifests in various personality disorders and mental problems that prioritize personal whims and emotions over rational principles and objective reality. Some of the main  forms of subjectivist egoism include:

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Individuals with BPD often exhibit intense emotional responses and unstable self-image, leading them to make decisions based on fleeting feelings rather than rational thought. This can result in impulsive behaviors that harm their relationships and well-being, reflecting a form of subjectivist egoism where emotions take precedence over objective considerations [1].

Histrionic Personality Disorder: This disorder is characterized by a constant need for attention and approval. Individuals with histrionic traits may engage in dramatic or manipulative behaviors, prioritizing their emotional needs and desires over rational interactions with others. This dependence on subjective emotional validation aligns with the principles of subjectivist egoism [3].

Antisocial Personality Disorder: Those with this disorder often disregard social norms and the rights of others, acting on personal desires without consideration for the consequences. Their behaviors frequently stem from a self-centered perspective that lacks moral reasoning, thus exemplifying subjectivist egoism [4].

Dependent Personality Disorder: Individuals with this disorder may exhibit excessive reliance on others for emotional support and decision-making, often prioritizing their need for validation and care over rational self-assertion. This dependency showcases a failure to engage with objective reality, as their self-worth is tied to external validation rather than rational self-interest [5].

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): While OCPD involves a preoccupation with order and perfection, the rigidity often stems from emotional needs for control and predictability, which can lead to irrational decision-making based on a fear of uncertainty. This obsessive focus may reflect an evasion of reality and a reliance on subjective perceptions [6].

Overall, these disorders illustrate how subjectivist egoism can manifest in various psychological conditions, leading individuals to act in ways that prioritize personal whims and desires over objective principles and rational thought. This divergence from rational egoism hinders their ability to achieve genuine self-interest and flourishing.

Sources

1 Liberalism is a Mental Disorder: Savage Solutions by Michael Savage, 2005 edition

2 Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach 8th Edition by David H. Barlow, Vincent Mark Durand, and Stefan G. Hofmann

3 the Liberal Mind by Lyle H. Rossiter Jr., M.D.

4 The Psychology of Freedom by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.

5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision Dsm-5-tr 5th Edition by American Psychiatric Association

6 Criminological and Forensic Psychology Third Edition by Helen Gavin

Also, psychopathic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder are both forms of subjectivist egoism, as they exemplify a prioritization of personal whims and emotions over rational principles and objective reality, aligning with the definition provided by Ayn Rand.

Psychopathic Personality Disorder: Individuals with this disorder often demonstrate a profound lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and a disregard for social norms. Their actions are driven by self-interest and immediate gratification, without consideration for the consequences to others. This aligns with subjectivist egoism, as they prioritize their desires and impulses over any rational evaluation of ethical principles or the rights of others. Their worldview is heavily skewed towards their own needs, showcasing a fundamental evasion of reality and a disintegration of moral reasoning [1][4].

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Narcissists possess an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for admiration, often at the expense of others. Their sense of self-worth is contingent upon external validation, which leads them to manipulate situations and people to maintain their self-image. This behavior is rooted in a subjectivist approach to egoism, where their emotional needs and personal desires take precedence over objective reality and ethical considerations. Narcissists often show a lack of genuine concern for others, reflecting a disintegrated mode of thought that prioritizes their whims over rational engagement with the world [3][5].

Both disorders illustrate how subjectivist egoism diverges from rational self-interest by emphasizing impulsivity and emotional gratification at the expense of objective reality and ethical integrity. This divergence ultimately impairs the ability of individuals with these personality disorders to achieve true self-interest and flourishing, as their actions are not aligned with rational principles or the well-being of themselves and others [6].

Sources

1 Liberalism is a Mental Disorder: Savage Solutions by Michael Savage, 2005 edition

2 Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach 8th Edition by David H. Barlow, Vincent Mark Durand, and Stefan G. Hofmann

3 Criminological and Forensic Psychology Third Edition by Helen Gavin

4 The Psychology of Freedom by Peter R. Breggin, M.D.

5 the Liberal Mind by Lyle H. Rossiter Jr., M.D.

6 Man in the Trap by Elsworth F. Baker