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Question: How do you feel about Ayn Rand and her philosophy!?
Please give detail; elaborate!.

What do you like about her, or her views!?

What do you disagree with and why!?

How would you describe her legacy to philosophy!?

Did she contribute to current social norms!?

What affect did she have on feminism!?

Give me your understanding of her philosophy!.
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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Rand's philosophy is quite rational, but her followers worship her like the saints she disdained!. Another thing about Objectivists I don't care for is that they seem to think that there is one and only one correct answer to every issue and every question, and since they're using rational thought then it must be the Objectivist's answer!. Objectivists don't seem to realize that two people can both be perfectly rational but come up with different answers or conclusions, because they differ in their premises, or priorities, or any of several other factors!.

I really like the emphasis on rational thought of Objectivism, with its resultant endorsement of atheism and capitalism, and skepticism of all things government!. I also appreciate the stress on personal responsibility!. Society could learn a lot from Objectivism, though not necessarily from Objectivists!.
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*Give me your understanding of her philosophy!.*

Her philosophy is basically Michael Douglas's "Greed is good" monologue as Gordon Gekko in Oliver Stone's 1987 groundbreaking film "Wall Street!." ( http://www!.youtube!.com/watch!?v=JaKkuJVy2!.!.!. )

You can't help, but get goosebumps watching it, no matter what your political leanings are!. Rand believed this principle is the most moral means of governing all human behavior (not just economics)!.


*What do you like about her, or her views!?*

Personally, I love Ayn Rand!. As much as we'd like to "correct the mistakes" of free market capitalism, there is rarely anything we can do that the marketplace wouldn't do a better job of without government interference!.


*What do you disagree with and why!?*

I disagree with her application of capitalistic principles to human emotion!. Sometimes love can (and should) be selfless and unconditional!. And I disagree with her agnostic view of the universe!. Whether you believe in God or not, investing at least a few years of your life in the honest pursuit of God is a journey worth taking!. Even if, in the end, you feel like you never connected with God, at least you tried and have a basis for your feeling!. And if you do find something that makes you stronger as a person and gives you greater purpose in life, all the better!.


*How would you describe her legacy to philosophy!?*

Her legacy is underrated!. She is viewed being so high-brow (probably because her books are over thousand pages long) that most people dismiss her as pretentious, academic, over-intellectual, debate-club, coffee shop chat!. If you're over 30 (as I am) or in a position to contribute anything to the world, you probably don't think much about Rand!.


*Did she contribute to current social norms!?*

She helped to define the American business culture!. Without her, I don't think Oliver Stone would have ever written the words, "Greed !.!.!. is good," and if he had, it wouldn't have meant anything!. She also predicted (with shocking accuracy) the course of economic development in the USA and Europe!.


*What affect did she have on feminism!?*

She defined feminism in a way that I think has been largely forgotten by feminist thinkers today!. She had an uncomplicated view of feminism!. She felt (I believe) that each person (regarless of gender) is born with the capacity to be as great as their abilities and motivation allow, and that achievers will achieve if they are given a chance to do so!. The lazy and incompetent will not!. Society can only do two things to subvert this natural law: 1) attempt to equalize the benefits of work among achievers and non-achivers, and 2) not provide equality of OPPORTUNITY for all people regardless of gender!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

yay rand!. Boo wimpy liberals and socialists!.
Rand would want you to your own homework!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

that your life's happiness is your resposibilty
objectivismWww@QuestionHome@Com

I don't know anything about it!. Why don't you explain it to me; then I could tell you how I feel about it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Not much!.Www@QuestionHome@Com