Background and Philosophy of Ayn Rand

Birth and Death

• Born in St. Petersburg, Russia on February 2, 1905

• Died in New York City on March 6, 1982

An Eventful Life

• Lived in Russia until late 1925

• Why do we think this may be important to know about her and her influences?

• Any important historical events?

The Rise of Communism

• She witnessed the Kerensky Revolution and the Bolshevik Revolution during World War I

• Her father’s pharmacy was seized and she began to envision America as a model nation

Her Escape

• She entered the State Institute for Cinema Arts in 1924 (movies were here first passion)

• In 1925, she obtained permission to leave the USSR for a visit to relatives in the US and she never planned on going back

Career As A Writer

• She was originally a screenwriter

• Wrote her first novel in 1933, wasn’t published until 1936 and received poor reviews

• Anthem was published in 1937, first in England

• Everyone take a deep breath.

• Don’t freak out.

Philosophy of Ayn Rand

• She named her philosophy Objectivism

• Objectivism, as she defined it, was a philosophy for living on earth

• Objectivism is… a system of thought that defines the abstract principles a man must act and think if he is to live a proper life

Group Work Time

1. Metaphysics

Objective Reality

Not easily defined

A branch of philosophy that tries to describe the nature of being and the world

“Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed”

• Objectivism rejects the supernatural and focuses on the real and reality

2. Epistemology

Reason

A branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and limits of knowledge

“You can’t eat your cake and have it too.”

• Objectivism rejects mysticism and skepticism

• Mysticism- acceptance of faith or feeling as a means of knowledge

• Skepticism- certainty or knowledge is impossible

3. Human Nature

Man is a rational being and the only way we get knowledge is through reason

Man’s reason is at his own discretion- it depends on the individuals choice

• Objectivism rejects determinism

• Determinism- man is powerless to greater forces (God, fate, economic conditions, etc)

4. Ethics

Self-Interest

A man must work for his own self-interest

Every man is an end in himself, not just a means to an end

• Objectivism rejects altruism

• Altruism- morality consists in living for others

5. Politics

Capitalism- the emphasis on individual rights

Men must deal with others as traders (non-violence)

Only self-defense is ok

• Objectivism rejects collectivism

• Collectivism- fascism or socialism

6. Esthetics

Art for arts sake

The purpose of art is to represent the ideal

Ayn Rand’s works project the ideal man