Did Ayn Rand have a loose s***w?

Question

Or was she just way smarter than I, and decided to write books on principles on which I cannot understand?

The question I am trying to get to is "What is Objectivism?"

Any simple answers (that means exclude 'metaphysics' and other confusing words unless explained) would be awesome!

Answer 1

Objectivism is an application tool of analysis to describe methodology to solve conundrums of reason and logic.

Applied in situations or theories where the nature of an object, entity or thought is partly determined by the opinion of the analyst, varying from individual to individual. It assumes consideration being given to this determining factor in the process of reasoning to find truth.

Objectivism or subjectivism are all fragments of a quantum and greater truth.

Answer 2

She was a novelist with an axe to grind. She hated communism and crafted a philosophy to be its antithesis. Most academicians consider her to be a pseudo-philosopher.  

Answer 3

It may be because I learned about this in Business school, but my definition of Objectivism has to do with ethics in business. From my understanding Ayn Rand's theory of objectivism is a guideline to help you make decisions to better yourself. Basically she states that humans should act in a "rational self-interest" manner, meaning as long as your act in a rational manner, you should only continue in courses of action that benefit you personally. This was a main message in her book "Atlas Shrugged." Alan Greenspan called it a "moral defense to capitalism." Although some thought she was a genius, it was not well received by a good number of the public, as they found her philosophy too judgemental and selfish. For example, going by her rationality, If you worked at a job where you were crucial in completing a certain project by a deadline, it would be completely okay to leave your co-workers hanging and accept an offer with another job if it had better pay because it benefits you personally.

I personally disagree with this type of thinking, I just find it to be too coldhearted. Also you'll find Ayn Rand wasn't exactly a model citizen if you look into her history (sleeping with people to get things done and such).

Answer 4

It's saying that reality would exist without us. There's a point of view that reality only exists because we are conscious but objectivism states that even without us perceiving it, reality would still exist (ie, which came first? reality or man's perception of it)

Objectivism talks about our gaining of experience and concepts from the pursuit of objective knowledge and following our own satisfactions. It states that the only viable form of a social structure that can go with such a state of mind would be allowing everybody to pursue their individual satisfactions.

The whole metaphysics thing comes into play when humans try to take a concept that is beyond them that we could not possibly understand (such as metaphysics?) and create forms of art (music, technology, etc.) off of it. In such a way, we convert it into something we can understand.

I think there was a little bit of a loose s***w but some of it has merit I suppose.

Answer 5

None of the responses really answered your question.  Objectivism is Ayn Rand's philosophy, meaning it is an integrated view of the nature of reality and of man and the relationship between the two.  In her own words, it is the view of "man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.”

It answers man's most fundamental questions, such as, "What kind of world do I live in?  What should I do with my life?  How should I deal with others?  Do I need philosophy or a proper method of thinking, or can I just do whatever I feel like?"

Hope this helps.  If you're really interested in exploring her ideas, the best way is to read her thrilling novel "Atlas Shrugged".