Ayn Rand: Conservatism or Capitalist Schism? Flashcards
Is Ayn Rand a conservative in any meaningful sense?
No, she is best categorized as a libertarian radical
What key tenets of conservative thought is Rand hostile to?
- Tradition
- Community
- The moral value of self-restraint
What does the ideological content axis analyze in Rand’s thought?
Whether she affirms order, tradition, or hierarchy
What is Rand’s view on moral anthropology compared to conservatism?
Rand exalts egoism, while conservatism emphasizes original sin, limitation, and social duty
How does Rand view laissez-faire capitalism?
As a moral end, not merely an instrumental means
What is the epistemological stance of Rand’s Objectivism?
Rationalist absolutism
How does Rand’s epistemology contrast with conservative thought?
Conservative skepticism, such as Hayek’s critique of constructivist rationalism
Does Rand’s alignment with American right-wing libertarianism imply she is conservative?
No, it suggests a mere strategic cohabitation
What event in 1926 is key to understanding Rand’s hatred of collectivism?
Exile from the USSR
This experience shaped her valorisation of the individual.
How is Rand contextualised as a Cold War intellectual?
As an anti-communist polemicist
Her opposition to collectivism does not align her with conservatism.
What cultural milieu is Rand rooted in?
American capitalist mythos
This contrasts with Burkean reverence for continuity or duty.
What political movements did Rand influence in American political culture?
Goldwater-era libertarians, Reaganite staffers, Tea Party figures
Her ideas were foundational to radical individualism in the U.S.
Who denounced Rand as morally repugnant?
William F. Buckley
This reflects the rejection of Rand by traditionalists.
What is Rand’s legacy in American political ideology?
Foundational to radical individualism and minimal-state ideology
This is categorized as libertarianism, not conservatism.
Why does Randianism find little support in British conservatism?
Due to communitarianism, paternalism, and Anglican morality
British right focuses on these values rather than Rand’s philosophy.
Which economist did Thatcher cite instead of Rand?
Hayek
This reflects her preference for spontaneous order over Rand’s philosophical absolutism.
What does Rand reject that is fundamental to conservatism?
The metaphysical humility of conservatism
This indicates that Rand’s philosophical stance differs significantly from conservative beliefs.
How is Rand’s rational egoism characterized?
As a moral revolution, not a reform
This highlights Rand’s approach as fundamentally transformative rather than incremental.
What type of thinker is Rand described as in relation to conservative thought?
Philosophically iconoclastic, not Burkean
This suggests that she challenges established norms rather than adhering to traditional conservative principles.
How does Rand view market individualism?
As a quasi-religious height
Rand’s perspective elevates the concept of market individualism beyond practical utility.
What is the conservative view of markets in contrast to Rand’s view?
Useful but limited tools, not moral ends
This distinction shows the fundamental difference in how conservatives and Rand perceive the role of markets.
Why should Rand be studied in the context of the New Right?
As an external force influencing neoliberal and American conservative thought
Her influence can be particularly noted in areas such as economic deregulation and anti-statism.
What does Rand exemplify in the context of political philosophy?
The radicalisation of liberalism
Studying her work can help clarify the boundaries of conservative identity.
What is one way Rand’s study may be beneficial?
Illuminating the divergence between British and American right-wing traditions
This can enhance understanding of the different trajectories within conservative thought.
