Did you read much Ayn Rand in high school or college? What did you think at the time? What do you think of her now?
Ayn Rand is a favourite target of abuse amongst academic philosophers, at least in my experience. I'm wondering whether Rand-bashing is also a practice libertarian philosophers engage in and enjoy.
April 26, 2007
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I first read Ayn Rand my first semester in college (several years after becoming a libertarian).
And yes, I think everyone should make fun of Rand, her writing in general, and her often-atrocious arguments. There is only one exception I know of: her 'Anthem' is a beautiful and powerful expression of individualism. One of its chief virtues is brevity, a feature not shared by many of her other works. =)
I read Rand several years ago in college and didn't really like what she said, nor did I think her arguments were really valid.
However, having studied much of philosophy throughout college and being a grad student in Philosophy, I have come to realize much profound truth in her system. In fact, her entire system is so intricately integrated, I have yet to find any intelligent criticism of Objectivist metaphysics, epistemology, or ethics that holds enough water to challege them. As far as I know today, her system is built solidly on reality.
Indeed, I am eager to find someone who can mount a credible, honest, and intelligent critique.
I'm not a libertarian, so I won't address the main question. But I would like to second Andrew Bailey's endorsement of "Anthem". That really is a lovely piece of literature.
Ergo, if you're looking for credible, honest, intelligent critique of Rand by a trained philosopher, you might start with Mike Huemer's 'Why I am not an Objectivist'
http://home.sprynet.com/~owl1/rand.htm
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