Rand’s Core Doctrine: Objectivism

Question 1

What does Metaphysical Realism assert?

Answer 1

Reality is objective, existing independently of perception, opinion, or belief.

Question 2

What is the ontological cornerstone of Objectivism?

Answer 2

Existence exists.

Question 3

Which philosophical views does Rand’s Metaphysical Realism contrast with?

Answer 3

Postmodern relativism and constructivist epistemologies.

Question 4

How does Rand’s view echo Aristotelian realism?

Answer 4

It asserts that there is only what is, rejecting Platonic and Kantian concepts.

Question 5

What does conservatism traditionally assert regarding moral order?

Answer 5

The existence of an objective moral order.

Question 6

How does Rand radicalize traditional conservatism?

Answer 6

By linking it to militant anti-mysticism and anti-collectivism.

Question 7

According to Rand, how is truth apprehended?

Answer 7

By the rational, independent mind.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: For Rand, there is no ______ realm.

Answer 8

Platonic

Question 9

Fill in the blank: Rand’s philosophy rejects ______ synthesis.

Answer 9

dialectical

Question 10

True or False: Rand believes that truth is discovered through tradition.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What is man’s only means of acquiring knowledge according to Rand?

Answer 11

Reason

Rand asserts that emotion, instinct, or tradition are not cognitive tools.

Question 12

What does Rand criticize in terms of epistemic deference?

Answer 12

Deference to state, church, or community

Rand’s criticism highlights her belief in individual reasoning over collective wisdom.

Question 13

How does Rand’s view differ from traditional conservatism?

Answer 13

Rand rejects the valorization of inherited wisdom

Traditional conservatism often emphasizes a social contract that includes the past and future generations.

Question 14

What is the Burkean concept mentioned in relation to traditional conservatism?

Answer 14

Social contract between the living, the dead, and the unborn

This idea emphasizes the importance of historical continuity and collective wisdom.

Question 15

What kind of rationalism does Rand’s epistemology represent?

Answer 15

Absolutist rationalism

This form of rationalism is characterized by a strict adherence to reason as the sole source of knowledge.

Question 16

What does Rand’s epistemology leave little room for?

Answer 16

Mysticism

Her philosophy dismisses any reliance on supernatural or inherited beliefs.

Question 17

How is Rand’s philosophy described in relation to modernism?

Answer 17

Propels her into the modernist firmament

Rand’s ideas align with modernist principles, emphasizing reason and individualism.

Question 18

What is the nature of Rand’s Enlightenment perspective?

Answer 18

Unshackled and unapologetic

Rand’s perspective promotes a bold and confident embrace of reason and capitalism.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: In Rand’s view, emotion, instinct, or tradition are considered _______.

Answer 19

epiphenomena

This term indicates that these elements are secondary and not fundamental to cognition.

Question 20

What is the moral core of Objectivism?

Answer 20

Ethical egoism

Question 21

What is the highest moral purpose according to ethical egoism?

Answer 21

The pursuit of one’s own rational self-interest

Question 22

How does Rand describe altruism?

Answer 22

A moral fraud

Question 23

What does Rand believe about sacrifice?

Answer 23

It is a degradation of the self

Question 24

Is Randian egoism considered hedonism?

Answer 24

No

Question 25

What type of ethics is Randian egoism categorized as?

Answer 25

Virtue ethics

Question 26

What qualities does Randian egoism emphasize?

Answer 26

* Productive achievement * Independent judgment * Integrity

Question 27

In The Fountainhead, what does Howard Roark represent?

Answer 27

An architect of values

Question 28

What role does John Galt play in Atlas Shrugged?

Answer 28

A Christ-figure for capitalism

Question 29

For whom is John Galt 'crucified'?

Answer 29

For himself

Question 30

What do conservative ethics often stress?

Answer 30

* Duty * Order * Virtue within a social context

Question 31

How does Rand view collectivism?

Answer 31

She scoffs at it

Question 32

What does Rand offer instead of collectivism?

Answer 32

A Promethean ethic

Question 33

Who is considered the moral standard in Rand's philosophy?

Answer 33

The creator

Question 34

What is the sole legitimate function of the state according to Rand?

Answer 34

To protect individual rights—against force, fraud, and theft. ## Footnote This view emphasizes that any other state roles violate liberty.

Question 35

How does Rand view capitalism?

Answer 35

As not merely efficient, but moral. ## Footnote This perspective is rooted in her ethical beliefs rather than utilitarian arguments.

Question 36

What type of argument does Rand use to support capitalism?

Answer 36

A deontological argument. ## Footnote This means she believes capitalism is consistent with man's nature as a rational being.

Question 37

With which political ideologies does Rand's thinking align?

Answer 37

Libertarian conservatism and the New Right. ## Footnote Particularly in the contexts of Reaganite and Thatcherite ideologies.

Question 38

What social policies does Rand oppose?

Answer 38

All forms of social security, progressive taxation, and public education. ## Footnote Her views reflect a strict adherence to individual liberty.

Question 39

Fill in the blank: Rand's capitalism is consistent with man's nature as a _______.

Answer 39

[rational being].

Question 40

True or False: Rand supports welfare and regulation as part of the state's role.

Answer 40

False. ## Footnote She views these roles as violations of liberty.

Question 41

How is Rand perceived in relation to mainstream conservatives?

Answer 41

She is revered more by Silicon Valley CEOs and libertarian activists than by mainstream conservatives. ## Footnote Rand's philosophies often clash with traditional conservative values.

Question 42

What are Rand's views on religion and tradition?

Answer 42

She rejects religion and has an antipathy to tradition. ## Footnote This positions her at odds with traditional conservative thinkers.

Question 43

What role does Rand play in the context of free-market fundamentalism?

Answer 43

She provided a moral foundation for free-market fundamentalism on the American Right. ## Footnote Her philosophical ideas support the principles of market freedom and individualism.

Question 44

In what way did Rand influence neoliberal economics?

Answer 44

Her works foreshadow the rational, utility-maximising actor in neoliberal economics. ## Footnote This concept emphasizes individuals making decisions based on maximizing their own utility.

Question 45

How is Rand viewed within the libertarian movement?

Answer 45

She is considered a prophetess. ## Footnote Her writings and ideas resonate strongly with libertarian principles of individual freedom and minimal government.

Question 46

What does Rand's legacy symbolize in contemporary society?

Answer 46

Her spirit endures as a monument to the exaltation of the self over society and the entrepreneur over the civil servant. ## Footnote This reflects a cultural shift towards valuing individual achievement and autonomy.

Question 47

Fill in the blank: Rand's philosophy is characterized by a worship of the _______.

Answer 47

[autonomous individual]

Question 48

True or False: Rand's ideas align closely with those of Burke, Disraeli, and Oakeshott.

Answer 48

False

Question 49

What characteristics define Rand's spirit as described in the text?

Answer 49

Stark, angular, and uncompromising. ## Footnote These descriptors highlight the intensity and clarity of her philosophical stance.