Philosophy
Ayn Rand's opinions of philosophy were very unique, as were most things about her. Her philosophy was called Objectivism. The theories of Objectivism are based on 4 concepts.
- Metaphysics
- Reality is fact and absolute
- Epistemology
- Reason should supersede all things.
- Ethics
- Man should not "sacrifice himself to others nor sacrifice others to himself".
-Politics
- Rand believed in a unique concept of capitalism. She wanted people to trade freely, without very much government involvement in business. She believed
"government [should act] only as a policeman that protect's man's rights".
(Ayn Rand Institute)
Famous Objectivists include, but are not limited to:
-Spider-Man Co-creator Steve Ditko
-Journalist John Stossel
-Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan
-U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
-Actress and Filmmaker Angelina Jolie
-Rush drummer Neil Peart
(InfoBarrel)
- Metaphysics
- Reality is fact and absolute
- Epistemology
- Reason should supersede all things.
- Ethics
- Man should not "sacrifice himself to others nor sacrifice others to himself".
-Politics
- Rand believed in a unique concept of capitalism. She wanted people to trade freely, without very much government involvement in business. She believed
"government [should act] only as a policeman that protect's man's rights".
(Ayn Rand Institute)
Famous Objectivists include, but are not limited to:
-Spider-Man Co-creator Steve Ditko
-Journalist John Stossel
-Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan
-U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
-Actress and Filmmaker Angelina Jolie
-Rush drummer Neil Peart
(InfoBarrel)
Religion
Rand embraced her beliefs as a prominent atheist during a time in which it was very unpopular to do so.
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This video is a collection of clips from various interviews throughout her life in which she talks about her religious beliefs, or lackthereof. |
Politics
Rand's beliefs also shaped her political thoughts. She was pro-Capitalism, but had her own unique definition of the concept. One major influence in her political belief was that she saw the firsthand effects of the Russian Revolution as a young adult. She was in fear that government would soon overtake business. This is evident in her novels and speeches.
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Rand sent out a political message in 1961 to express her views. |
Lectures
Rand often lectured about her philosophies at universities, and later joined Nathaniel Branden in his talks. I recently talked with Seamus Cartwith (pseudonym) who attended some of Branden's lectures, in which Rand would occasionally answer questions. He has studied Objectivism in depth, and has an ABD (all but dissertation) in Philosophy from New York University. I asked him about his experiences with Rand and her philosophies. His interview is below.
http://soundcloud.com/alissasharp/ayn-rand-interview-1
http://soundcloud.com/alissasharp/ayn-rand-interview-1