Ayn Rand???

Question

I believe in Objectivism. Your opinion. I don't really care what you think because I know I'm right.

Answer 1

'Believe' implies faith. I have confidence in Objectivism.

Answer 2

Hmmm...well, if you want to be a cruel heartless, self-centered beast, then WAY TO GO!
Yes, you are entitled to your opinion, no, you are not right. At least, not completely. The problem with objectivism is that it only achieves that.....once you have completed an objective, you go onto the next. Everything is an entire chess game and deducing which move is best. The question is, where do you LIVE in that? Where is the vitality, the worth of others? It's just too....selfish.

Answer 3

The philosopy of Ayn Rand is powerfull stuff. Terry Goodkind has a series of books based on her philosophy. They're outstanding.

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayn_Rand

"Philosophical criticism
A notable exception to the general lack of attention paid to Rand in philosophy is the essay "On the Randian Argument" by Harvard University philosopher Robert Nozick, which appears in his collection, Socratic Puzzles. Nozick is sympathetic to Rand's political conclusions, but he does not think her arguments justify them. In particular, his essay criticizes her foundational argument in ethics, which claims that one's own life is, for each individual, the only ultimate value because it makes all other values possible. Nozick says that to make this argument sound Rand still needs to explain why someone could not rationally prefer dying and having no values. Thus, he argues, her attempt to defend the morality of selfishness is essentially an instance of begging the question and that her solution to David Hume's famous is-ought problem is unsatisfactory."

The problem with a philosophy that is based on the unequivocal self interest basis, is that self contradiction if aimed successfully at self expansion, undermines its own credibility and validity. Of course self contradiction can run in the opposite direction of valuing an other more than self.

"his essay criticizes her foundational argument in ethics, which claims that one's own life is, for each individual, the only ultimate value because it makes all other values possible."

We need ALL possible values in our head? Perhaps for social reasons.

Answer 5

Rand has good ideas. I've found I appreciate them more after having read those who she claimed as influences, though (Aristotle, Aquinas, Locke, etc). If you like Rand, also read the philosophers that influenced her.

Answer 6

Typical

Answer 7

Ayn Rand was pretty screwed up psychologically. If you want to spend your life using other people, she's the one to read. But happiness comes from giving to others, not taking.

Answer 8

Utilitarian capitalism has its strengths and it's weaknesses. If you can't see the flaws, I can't show you. Theyre self evident.

Answer 9

That sounds subjective to me. There is no objective anything.

Answer 10

libertarians rock!