Ayn Rand and Objectivism

mikepence

My marijuana-induced short term memory loss won't let me read the various web sites about Ayn Rand and Objectivism.

Could someone give me a brief synopsis of what this is about?

Thanks,
Mike Pence

Preston

Objectivisim teaches as follows:

1.) Metaphysics = Objective Reality
2.) Epistemology(nature of knowledge) = Reason
3.) Ethics = Self-Interest
4.) Politics = Capitalism

In other words, reality exists outside of human thought, reason is the only way to understand reality, every human should seek personal hapiness and exist for his own sake and laissez-faire capitalism is the political-economic system in which 1-3 flourish best.

I got this from Michael Shermer's book, WHY PEOPLE BELIEVE WEIRD THINGS, a good source on objectivism and other topics of pseudoscience.

FrightMare

Objectivism is a philosophy which does tie metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and politico-econmomics together. However, I think there are significant flaws at all levels. Some are...

Metaphysics - You can't prove there is no god
Epitimology - Man's behavior has emotional content
Ethics - Self interest is a reality but to assert the total righteousness of the belief is insufficient
Politico Economics - Laissez-faire capitalism in the past has typically required rule of law, respect for personal property and some form of representative government to function. By acknowledging the need of government you then may enter into a debate on public goods, civilizations and other communal entities which ofttimes subordinate the individual to the group. This is our reality but objectivism seems to want to move around it. Sometimes it is in the best interest of the future to sacrifice in the present.

I may be taking this out of context so would appreciate clarification from an Objectivist. These are passages briefly describing Ayn Rand's philosophy from http://www.objectivism.org/objectivism/essentials.html (my bold).

Ethics
“Reason is man's only proper judge of values and his only proper guide to action. The proper standard of ethics is: man's survival qua man — i.e., that which is required by man's nature for his survival as a rational being (not his momentary physical survival as a mindless brute). Rationality is man's basic virtue, and his three fundamental values are: reason, purpose, self-esteem. Man — every man — is an end in himself, not a means to the ends of others; he must live for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself; he must work for his rational self-interest, with the achievement of his own happiness as the highest moral purpose of his life.” Thus Objectivism rejects any form of altruism — the claim that morality consists in living for others or for society.

Politics
“The basic social principle of the Objectivist ethics is that no man has the right to seek values from others by means of physical force — i.e., no man or group has the right to initiate the use of physical force against others. Men have the right to use force only in self-defense and only against those who initiate its use. Men must deal with one another as traders, giving value for value, by free, mutual consent to mutual benefit. The only social system that bars physical force from human relationships is laissez-faire capitalism. Capitalism is a system based on the recognition of individual rights, including property rights, in which the only function of the government is to protect individual rights, i.e., to protect men from those who initiate the use of physical force.” Thus Objectivism rejects any form of collectivism, such as fascism or socialism. It also rejects the current “mixed economy” notion that the government should regulate the economy and redistribute wealth.
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As I understand these passages I gather that if one observes a group using physical force on someone else, the Objectivist morality would be to not intervene unless that intervention is in one's direct self-interest.

I also conclude that the Objectivist morality is against federal programs that assist those who for whatever reason are unsuccessful in a capitalist system (i.e., the poor).

Are these conclusions correct?

nelly136

attention deficiency hyperactive disorder? makes concentrating for long periods difficult/impossible,
bumping this up because I'm not very good at explaining the other stuff but someone here probably will if they see the post
nelly

msil

I am a keen supporter of objectivism.

Perhaps this link (same site different page) is better
http://www.objectivism.org/objectivism/pobs.html

Jon672

I do agree with Frightmare's basic assessment that Objectivism is lacking. That which I find most distasteful about it is its complete rejection of emotion as a valid state of mind or self-expression.

However, there is a lot to be said for her philosophy and the emphasis and focus towards the self and one's right to happiness and free will.

I think an excellent read for a former (or for that matter, current) JW is the book, Fountainhead (by Ayn Rand). I highly recommend it. The book for me helped to "undo" some of the self-damning indoctrination of many years as a JW. Remember how many times we were told how awful the "ME" generation is? A basic premise of hers is that you have a right to pursue your own happiness!

-Jon

BlackMan4Life

I don't know that much about objectivism, but I do know about Ayn Rand. She's an incredible author. Her two books - Fountainhead and Atlas Shugged are classics! Excellent books to explore human behavior. Her books are pretty lengthy, but definitely worth the time. There is also an video regarding her life - However, I warn you, appreciate the authors writing skills and don't let her personal life discourage you from her reading her books.
Peace - Larry :)

joelbear

I agree, both books are must reads.

mikepence

Thanks to all!

I have put Atlas Shrugged on my Amazon wish list.

BTW, I would HIGHLY recommend Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire, it is one of the best books I have ever read.

Ayn Rand and Objectivism

mikepence

Naeblis

Preston

FrightMare

nelly136

msil

Jon672

BlackMan4Life

joelbear

mikepence

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