rand Flashcards
strand
new right
parituclary neo liberal aspecrt of it
rand a Russian American novelist was a key figure in advocacy for
neoliberalism and the new right
born in russia witnessing the consequences of the bolshevik revolution , rand immigrated to the US where she became a fierce advocate for
individualism and capitalism , contrasting sharply with the communist ideals of her homeland
she articulated her central philosophy of objectivism in her novels most notably ‘ atlas shrugged ‘ and ‘ the fountainhead ‘ where she championed the virtues of
rational self interest , individual rights and laissez fair capitalism
in her philosophy of objectivism rand argued that pursuing ones own happiness and rational self interest is the highest moral pursuit , a viewpoint that fundamentally opposes
the notion of self sacrifice for collective goals
she believed that people were rational and cold gain
objective knowlegdge through reason
this can be seen in her opposition to personal altruism which she viewed as the
moral obligation to place the needs of others above ones own interests
she argued that altruism other done by individuals or the state diminishes
individual freedom and success by creating an unhealthy dependence in those who are the recipients of such altruistic actions
in ‘ the virtue of selfishness ‘ she stated
” the man who attempts to live for others is a dependent . he is a parasite in motive and makes parasite of those he serves “
rands strong support for freedom and laissez faire capitalism is deeply rooted in her objectivism which holds
individual rights to be of the highest importance and views freedom as essential for human flourishing
rand believed that freedom in both personal and economic realms is necessary for individuals to act on
their rational judgement , pursue their own interests and achieve their potential
she argued that laissez faire capitalism as an economic system where the government roles is strictly limited to protecting individual rights is the only system,
that fully respects and protects the freedom of the individual
this system prohibits the state from interfering in the economic activities of individuals preventing any from of
coercion or redistribution of wealth through a welfare state
in ‘ the virtue of selfishness ‘ she stated
” the difference between a welfare state and a totalitarian state is a matter of time “
