Do you know anything about objectivsm?

Question

Okay, I just would like to know if you know what objectivism is and it would be great if you helped out here, because I'm not quite getting it. Explain it plz and I was also wondering why in the world would anyone follow such a selfish philosophy (like any benefits in it for me or somethin)? If it indeed is a selfish philosophy?

Thank you so much

Answer 1

Hm. I suppose I can give you a thumbnail sketch. There are certainly a number of fans of Rand around here who can correct me if I'm off.

To start with, objectivism asserts that the metaphysical nature of the universe is a lot like science assumes it to be. Objects and forces exist, they can be known by your senses, and they have a permanence and causality. Though your senses receive information, it is not always accurate so you must also use reason to determine the nature of the things you see. Most people would be on board with these ideas.

When you talk about it being a 'selfish philosophy', you are referring to the ethical aspects. But Rand's ethical angle is really not too different from her metaphysical one.

Rand takes her lead from Aristotle. We would probably all agree that it is good to be healthy and comfortable but to have only these things would not be to live a full life. The best human, they argue, makes use of all his capabilities to the full extent that he can. And when he does, he experiences this as happiness - this is Nature's reward for living according to your nature.

Where objectivism takes a bit of a left-turn compared to other philosophies is the question of what all these capabilities should be used FOR. Rand argues that the natural direction for these energies is that which we are equipped to know better than anyone else and which it is natural for us to want: our own self-interest. After all, who knows what you want better than you? And if you aren't willing to look after your own interests, why should anyone else bother?

It certainly makes a lot of logical sense. And keep in mind that helping yourself doesn't mean NOT helping others - an investor who helps businesses get off the ground benefits if they succeed as well as the businessman.

Indeed, Rand believed that reason always tended toward the same conclusions. So if everyone were reasonable first and foremost, we would all tend to agree with and understand each other. We could each look after our own interests and not have to worry about unreasonable predatory attacks by others. If you agree with her premises, it's easy to see how such a world could easily be a utopia.

So it does advocate selfishness... but only REASONABLE selfishness. And if wanting peace and cooperation is selfish, then I don't think any of us would object to a lot more of that, neh?