Libertarianism vs Objectivism
Libertarianism seeks to maximize personal and economic freedom, letting people live and use their property as they wish while respecting the equal rights of others.
- Each person owns their own body and labor.
- The use or threat of force against peaceful people is wrong, including when done by government.
- Free markets and voluntary exchange should replace most government programs.
Objectivism is Ayn Rand's philosophy, which holds that reason, rational self-interest and individual rights are the basis of ethics and that laissez-faire capitalism is the only just system.
- Reality is objective and exists independently of human thoughts or feelings.
- Reason is the only means of gaining knowledge, and faith is rejected.
- Each person should pursue their own rational self-interest and happiness.
- Libertarianism: petals and stars
- Objectivism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Structure50 points apart
Libertarianism: Local (strong). Objectivism: Local (mild).
- Religion50 points apart
Libertarianism: Secular (moderate). Objectivism: Secular (strong).
- Technology40 points apart
Libertarianism: Embrace (moderate). Objectivism: Embrace (strong).
- Security30 points apart
Libertarianism: Liberty (strong). Objectivism: Liberty (moderate).
★ Where they are closest
- Foreign policy · 5 apart
- Authority · 5 apart
- Markets · 5 apart
Axis by axis
Objectivism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipStrong: Private8%92%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Free5%95%PlannedFree
- WelfareStrong: Self-reliant10%90%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityStrong: Democratic93%7%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Liberty95%5%LibertyOrder
- StructureStrong: Local90%10%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityMild: Progressive58%42%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionModerate: Secular70%30%SecularReligious
- TechnologyModerate: Embrace75%25%EmbraceCaution
- CultureMild: Multicultural55%45%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeStrong: Global90%10%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyStrong: Strength18%82%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Libertarianism or Objectivism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Libertarianism or Objectivism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Libertarianism vs Objectivism
What is the difference between Libertarianism and Objectivism?
Libertarianism seeks to maximize personal and economic freedom, letting people live and use their property as they wish while respecting the equal rights of others. Objectivism is Ayn Rand's philosophy, which holds that reason, rational self-interest and individual rights are the basis of ethics and that laissez-faire capitalism is the only just system. On the 12 axes they differ most on structure, religion, technology.
What do Libertarianism and Objectivism have in common?
Their positions are closest on foreign policy, authority, markets. Overall their profiles are a 86% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Libertarianism or Objectivism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.