I love Ayn Rand. She was a beautiful and brilliant woman, and I am an Objectivist. However, when people start this "according to Ayn Rand..." business -
she is not the only source of reason or rational self-interest. Maybe it's just my opinion, but I think it sounds bad when every statement is tied into her. It would be better to broaden your knowledge of other philosophers as well.
What she said was objectively accurate. It's not primarily, "according to Rand". It's, "according to reality".
I agree with you that it could be problematic tying all statements to Ayn Rand. It is the reverse of the "Hitler argument." When someone says something wrong like "we should all get universal healthcare", then you can often say: "That's what Hitler wanted." instead of arguing the point. An argument from intimidation.
Aristotle, Aquinas, Spinoza, and Mortimer Adler also said great things. They should be included in a discussion about how to live well, too.
I'm not sure if you meant this, but what follows from your words is that we actually do need a welfare state (that it is, for us, a good and moral response) because of the unfortunate circumstance of folks not being selfish enough in the first place.
@loneRambler Sorry, that's not my position. I should have been clearer: We don't need the welfare state, and it's actually hurting us. It prevents us from grappling with reality, and feeling good after we master it.
I love Ayn Rand. She was a beautiful and brilliant woman, and I am an Objectivist. However, when people start this "according to Ayn Rand..." business -
she is not the only source of reason or rational self-interest. Maybe it's just my opinion, but I think it sounds bad when every statement is tied into her. It would be better to broaden your knowledge of other philosophers as well.
What she said was objectively accurate. It's not primarily, "according to Rand". It's, "according to reality".
SculptedThoughts 1 year ago
SculptedThoughts,
I agree with you that it could be problematic tying all statements to Ayn Rand. It is the reverse of the "Hitler argument." When someone says something wrong like "we should all get universal healthcare", then you can often say: "That's what Hitler wanted." instead of arguing the point. An argument from intimidation.
Aristotle, Aquinas, Spinoza, and Mortimer Adler also said great things. They should be included in a discussion about how to live well, too.
loneRambler
loneRambler 1 year ago
True selfishness consists of taking responsibility for one's own life. If everyone were selfish, we wouldn't need the welfare state.
MikeDial 1 year ago
@MikeDial,
I'm not sure if you meant this, but what follows from your words is that we actually do need a welfare state (that it is, for us, a good and moral response) because of the unfortunate circumstance of folks not being selfish enough in the first place.
Is that your actual position on the matter?
loneRambler
loneRambler 1 year ago
@loneRambler Sorry, that's not my position. I should have been clearer: We don't need the welfare state, and it's actually hurting us. It prevents us from grappling with reality, and feeling good after we master it.
MikeDial 1 year ago
Well said, MikeDial.
loneRambler
loneRambler 1 year ago
Great :)
Sam26100 1 year ago