Ayn Rand and Objectivism: Philosophy Forums

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Ayn Rand and Objectivism

NotDoubtingThomas
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Posted 10/13/04 - 06:04 AM:	#11
Unisonus wrote: Pro-Wrestling : Wrestling :: Objectivism : Um, Secular Humanism?
Get angry "I drank what?" --Socrates

crazydave8
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Posted 10/13/04 - 10:32 AM:	#12
Gassendi1 wrote: No surprise. Most philosophers don't think she is worth talking about. But, you should decide for yourself. I've noticed this. Do happen to know why, Gassendi? From what I've seen, she has some interesting things to say, but I haven't really taken the time to examine her arguments.
There he goes -- one of God's own prototypes -- a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die. --Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas What is a poet? A poet is an unhappy being whose heart is torn by secret sufferings, but whose lips are so strangely formed that when the sighs and the cries escape them, they sound like beautiful music. --Either/Or , Soren Kierkegaard

Klaatu
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Posted 10/13/04 - 12:39 PM:	#13
crazydave8 wrote: I've noticed this. Do happen to know why, Gassendi? From what I've seen, she has some interesting things to say, but I haven't really taken the time to examine her arguments. To start off, a feeling of reciprocated disrespect because Rand despised academia and "books" in general. She thought that most philosophers are evil no-gooders. She chose to convey the bulk of her philosophy in pretty little stories, with trains, ray guns and fancy houses, archvillians and perfect heroes. Philosophers don't like that. Also, she may have interesting things to say up to the point that you actually start thinking about them seriously, which is the job of a philosopher anyhow. Just try it.

Jason0
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Posted 10/13/04 - 04:13 PM:	#14
up to the point that you actually start thinking about them seriously Why? Do explain. Nevermind, found it on my own. Rand is frequently criticized or discounted as a serious philosopher because of claims that she misinterprets the philosophers she criticizes, or that she does not take sufficient steps to provide citations or to use reputable sources in her summaries of philosophers. (Does the above count as a conversation with myself? By the definition of insanity as answering one's own questions I believe I have gone insane.)

JHBowden
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Posted 10/13/04 - 07:46 PM:	#15
jaoman wrote: Can someone here give me an intro to Objectivism, or be so kind as to provide some useful links? Just like astrology isn't astronomy and Yanni isn't classical music, don't mistake a philosophizer like Rand for a serious philosopher. There's your intro.
"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it." -- Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" -- Isaiah 5:20 "What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the wish to find out, which is the exact opposite." -- Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)

Ikiru
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1 of 1 people found this post helpful Posted 10/13/04 - 09:49 PM:	#16
For a nice overview of Rand's philosophy, I think you should pick up 'Philosophy: Who Needs It' ($7.99, its worth it). I read her first novel "We the Living" and was immediately drawn to her ideology. Since then I've picked up Atlas Shrugged, and the Virtue of Selfishness. Her philosophy embraces free will and man's rational choice. There is no mysticism, no luck, no altruism, and no determinism. So obviously this steps on a lot of peoples' toes. Please, don't just believe what others say (including me), pick up the book and make your own judgements.

Klaatu
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Posted 10/14/04 - 05:20 PM:	#17
Ikiru wrote: I think you should pick up 'Philosophy: Who Needs It' ($7.99, its worth it). Typical. Btw I read that book too- but I stole it from the bookstore. hehe.

Unisonus
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Posted 10/14/04 - 09:26 PM:	#18
Pro-Wrestling : Wrestling :: Objectivism : Philosophy Link: X is a phony version Y for morons.
"...take care that your style and diction run musically, pleasantly, and plainly, with clear, proper, and well-placed words, setting forth your purpose to the best of your power, and putting your ideas intelligibly, without confusion or obscurity." - Miguel de Cervantes

Justus
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Posted 10/14/04 - 09:56 PM:	#19
Of course anyone who doesn't agree with Ayn Rand would be quick to discredit her. I mean she is "out of the mainstream." God forbid that!
"The present existing intellectuals have declared their own bankruptcy by abandoning the intellect. What we need today out of an intellectual would be any man or woman who is willing to think. Meaning, any man or woman who knows that man's life must be guided by reason, by the intellect, and not by feelings, wishes, whims or mystical relations." -Ayn Rand

Klaatu
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Posted 10/15/04 - 09:30 AM:	#20
Justus wrote: Of course anyone who doesn't agree with Ayn Rand would be quick to discredit her. I mean she is "out of the mainstream." God forbid that! out of the mainstream? *gasp This word "I". What does it mean? What does she expect to accomplish outside of the mainstream? Everything we accomplish comes with the help of our human brothers and sisters. How could we not agree with our brothers and sisters?

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