Adam Smith and Ayn Rand would most likely agree on which of the following statements?
A) The suffering of others should not factor into a calculation of one's decisions or behaviors.
B) Communal harmony is just as important as the pursuit of self-interest.
C) People should pursue their self-interests at all costs.
D) People tend to place their self-interests above those of others.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both Adam Smith and Ayn Rand recognized the importance of self-interest in economic and ethical theory. Smith, in his concept of the "invisible hand," suggested that individuals pursuing their own interests often benefit society more than if they were trying to benefit society directly. Ayn Rand, a proponent of Objectivism, emphasized rational self-interest as a key component of her philosophy. Both would agree that people naturally prioritize their own interests, which can lead to positive outcomes for society as a whole.

Adam Smith and Ayn Rand Would Most Likely Agree on Which