What is Objectivism?
Objectivism is a complete philosophical system developed by the Russian American novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand. It covers questions about reality, knowledge, ethics and politics. Rand held that reality exists independently of anyone's wishes, that reason is the only reliable way to know it, and that each person should live for their own rational self-interest. In politics, these ideas lead to a strong defense of individual rights and of laissez-faire capitalism, meaning a market economy with no government intervention beyond protecting rights. Objectivism is often grouped with libertarianism, although Rand herself rejected that label.
Core beliefs
- 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.
- No one should sacrifice themselves for others or sacrifice others for themselves.
- Individual rights to life, liberty and property must be protected.
- Government should be limited to police, courts and the military.
- Laissez-faire capitalism is the only moral social system.
History
Ayn Rand was born in Saint Petersburg in 1905 and emigrated to the United States in 1926 after the Russian Revolution. She presented her ideas first through fiction, most famously The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957). These novels portray creative individuals struggling against collectivism and conformity. Later she explained her philosophy in nonfiction, including The Virtue of Selfishness (1964) and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal (1966). In the 1950s and 1960s a circle of followers formed around her, and the psychologist Nathaniel Branden ran a lecture institute that spread her ideas until a split with Rand in 1968. After Rand's death in 1982, organizations were founded to promote and study her work.
Variants
After Rand's death, followers divided over how to treat her ideas. One group holds that Objectivism is a closed system consisting of what Rand herself wrote and approved. Another group sees it as an open system that can be developed and revised by later thinkers. Outside these groups, many people are influenced by parts of Rand's ethics or politics without accepting her full philosophy, including many libertarians.
Criticisms
Critics on the left argue that Objectivism treats selfishness as a virtue, ignores the needs of people who cannot support themselves and justifies large inequalities. Religious and conservative critics argue that its atheism and rejection of altruism undermine the moral traditions and duties to others that hold communities together. Academic philosophers have often argued that Rand's arguments, especially her derivation of ethics from the nature of life, are not fully developed. Some libertarians argue that her support for a state is inconsistent with her own principles.
In practice
No government has been built on Objectivism, but Rand's novels have sold millions of copies and influenced many people in business, technology and politics, especially in the United States. Her ideas have shaped arguments for lower taxes, deregulation and opposition to welfare programs. Organizations such as the Ayn Rand Institute promote her philosophy through education and publishing.