Product Description
A half-century after the publication of THE FOUNTAINHEAD, AynRand's ideas remain both highly controversial and extremely influential.In THE AYN RAND CULT, Jeff Walker exposes the woman behind the ideas,questioning whether they are as original as her followers claimed. Helooks at the devoted following she attracted in the 1940s and 1950s, howit was shaped by her volatile and domineering personality, and whatremains of it today. Ultimately, Walker argues, her Objectivist movementcame to practice the opposite of the principles it espoused-individualismand objectivity-evolving into a dictatorial cult in which members sufferedarranged marriages, took new names in homage to Rand, and were tried andexcommunicated for expressing opinions different from Rand's. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (70)

Misinformed
I'm still trying to figure out how Walker can say that Rand's works are filled with " 'vulgar Nietzschean' philosophy's" when Rand herself denounces Neitzsche's philosophies...

A Believer But Not a Cult Follower
I only read a few excerpts.I won't put money in Mr. Walker's pocket.I was introduced to Atlas Shrugged late in life.I don't belong to a cult.I am one of the producers - a Dagny Taggart - a fierce individualist.I am one of those people who believe that if government continues to require producers to pay for the looters, the producers will stop producing or simply leave.All the people I know who love Ayn Rand's books and philosophy would never blindly follow anyone or anything.

Subjectivist howlings on being ignorant
I couldn't finish it... this book is without purpose. The philosophy of Ayn is complete....... period. If your not an Objectivist, you are a parasite and "don't deserve the title of human".

Waste of paper
Unreadable mix of sophomoric psuedo-journalism smears an often very unlikeable Rand with ludicrous charges of cultdom based on a small cadre of intense fans.Just because Ayn Rand was not a likable person often emulated by even less likable sycophants neither diminishes the value of her writings nor paints her followers as cult members.

See also The Passion of Ayn Rand, a biography of Rand written by Barbara Branden, the wife of the man she shared with Rand!

Fascinating read
I have read a few of Rand's books and thought they were OK, not great, not terrible, just OK.I was never attracted to the underlying themes in the books or Rand's "philosphy".I was fascinated, however, by the fact that somehow she has become an icon because of these books and wanted to learn more about her.This book pretty much tells it all-there is no fawning or sugar coating here.She was a nasty woman with some pretty deep rooted mental problems--intelligent, yes, but warped.I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone with the qualities she admired such as intelligence, free thinking, individualism etc. would ever want anything to do with this cult.She must have had some really potent Kool-Aid. ... Read more

Product Description
Ayn Rand's 1937 classic is as relevant now as the day it was written.The story of two citizens seeking their freedom in a fully collectivized society, "Anthem" is at once a stirring love story, an adventure, and a tribute to -- and anthem of -- individual liberty.Thought-provoking and inspiring, "Anthem" is nevertheless an exciting and enjoyable book to read.

This edition is copyright-free in the United States but may fall under copyright restrictions in certain other countries.Released for U.S. use only. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

We Are Lemmings Being Led By the Least of Us
I read this book for a graduate class in political philosophy.

Ayn Rand (1905-1982), in this book written in 1937, expertly refutes collectivists schemes; such as, Communism and Fascism and shows the utter peril that collectivism poses to individual freedom.One of my favorite historians, Lord Acton, warned us in the 19th century "that socialism is slavery."

This is a short novel about a man who escapes a society from which all individuality has been squeezed.Written a full decade before Orwell's "1984" Rand expertly shows how collectivism is destroying individuality and is being practiced throughout the world including the "New Deal" programs in the United States.During this time in world, history people are becoming serfs to the state as F. A. Hayek, the noted libertarian economist would put it.Rand's philosophy is really quite simple; planning is a synonym for "collectivism" and "collectivism" is a metaphor for Communism.Rand's literary style is easy to read and understand, I love how she uses the third person plural in the book until the hero finds his "ego" at which time she switches over to first person singular.This is a book that should be read by all who wonder what role the government should have in our lives.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in political philosophy.

Includes Author's Foreword from April 1946
The "twin towers" Kindle edition (unknown publisher) is very well presented. A nice touch is inclusion of the Author's Foreword from April, 1946. It lacks a table of contents. ... Read more

Product Description
In this newly revised edition, David Kelley asks: What is the nature of benevolence toward other people? How does it differ from altruism? How does it relate to the benevolent sense of life? David Kelley answers these questions in a groundbreaking work. Unrugged Individualism is the first philosophical analysis of benevolence from the Objectivist point of view, and a major addition to the Objectivist ethics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Very Detailed Analysis
Table of Contents

1.) INTRODUCTION

2.) BACKGROUND
Benevolence and Altruism
Benevolence and the "Benevolent Universe"

3.) The Nature of Benevolence
How to Analyze a Virtue
Values: What Benevolence is For
Facts: Why Benevolence is Necessary
Benevolence and Productiveness

4.) The Practice of Benevolence
Civility
Sensitivity
Generosity
Tolerance

5.) Conclusion

Notes

Very good analysis for filling up a critical gap (mainly in terms of details) in Objectivist literature
Kelley presented his analysis with right blend of references from Rand's work (which are not many) and his own original ideas. The level of details is really appropriate (Not too much repetetion, Not too much condensed). I think any admirer of Ayn Rand's work (As well as of Branden's work) would find it an essential read

Antidote
In a world in which Judeo-Christian "altruism" is the opiate of the masses, the polemisists for this ideology have waged a smear campaign against its arch-enemy. So much for "altruism" towards those with whom they disagree. Evidence Garrison Keillor's book "Homegrown Democrat" for a scree on hatred and intolerance that rivals "Mein Kampf" in its high-strung tenor of bigotry and populist anti-intellectualism against one's "enemies." Along comes David Kelley, who presents an eminently convincing argument for the value of human dignity and life based not on the "revealed truth" of a gaseous vertebrate, or its secularized version, the state, but on the premise that human life must be the standard of all moral and ethical systems. He demonstrates very convincingly that tolerance and benevolence toward our fellow humans is an outgrowth of the recognition of the value of our own lives above the value of the group. He shows that the practice of egoism is a positive affirmation of human life as an ethical primary which enables one to feel comfortable with being tolerant of others' opinions, cultures, etc. As a consequence, one develops a generalized sense of benevolence not only toward our fellow human beings, but also to reality. Kelley's book takes its place among the growing galaxy of positive discussions of ethical egoism that started with Ayn Rand, and Nathaniel Brandoen's "The Virtue of Selfishness."

Why the true egoist is nice
I thought this was a terrific book. It's one flaw may be that it's too short for the topic; or perhaps it's too much aimed at those already familiar with Objectivism, or with ethical egoism in general, so that some readers (like the top 50 reviewer below) remain confused about the distinction Objectivists are trying to make between altruism and egoism. (Personally I don't like the word 'egoism,' but what can you do, that's what they [philosophers] call it). The reviewer seemed to think that any "other regarding" activity cannot be egoistic. Now, while making love, I may concentrate entirely on my partner's pleasure, not on my own; does that make such lovemaking "altruistic"? I don't think so! Or saving someone from drowning; while you're doing it you are being "other directed" -- but there are few greater rushes than saving someone's life! If it feels good, and enhances your life, it's egoistic; that's (crudely summarized) the argument being made. Part of the problem may be the darned word "ego," which is a lousy word to stand in for "true self," "highest self," "deepest and most essential nature," but it seems to be the word we're stuck with. BTW, I'm not myself an Objectivist -- for other, unrelated, reasons.

Thought provoking for the converted only
Kelley is on track as he attempts to lift benevolence to the status of a major virtue in the Objectivist ethics, but unless familiar with the inner-workings of Rand's philosophy, the layman will likely be overwhelmed by unfamiliar references to Rand's work.That said, Kelley's calm approach to reason is a pleasure to read as usual.

For Objectivists only; I hope some day we begin to see some authors that go the rest of the distance by communicating such ideas to the philosophical lay-person. ... Read more

Product Description
Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Robert Nozick, Murray Rothbard, William F. Buckley, Jr., Whittaker Chambers, Mark Riebling, Nathaniel Branden, George Saunders. Excerpt:George Saunders George Saunders (born December 2, 1958) is an American writer of short stories and essays. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker , Harper's , McSweeney's and GQ , among others. He also contributed a weekly column, American Psyche , to the weekend magazine of The Guardian s Saturday edition until October 2008. Currently a professor at Syracuse University , he won the National Magazine Award for fiction in 1994, 1996, 2000, and 2004, and second prize in the O. Henry Awards in 1997. His first story collection, CivilWarLand in Bad Decline was a finalist for the 1996 PEN/Hemingway Award . In 2006, Saunders received one of that year's MacArthur Fellowships , more popularly known as the "genius grant". His story collection In Persuasion Nation was a finalist for The Story Prize in 2007. Early life and education Saunders was born in Amarillo, Texas and raised on the south side of Chicago . He is a graduate of Oak Forest High School , located in Oak Forest, Illinois , a south suburb of Chicago. In 1981, he received a B.S. in geophysical engineering from Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado . Speaking of his scientific background, Saunders said "...any claim I might make to originality in my fiction is really just the result of this odd background: basically, just me working inefficiently, with flawed tools, in a mode I don't have sufficient background to really understand. Like if you put a welder to designing dresses." In 1988, he obtained an M.A. in creative writing from Syracuse University . Career as author In his twenties, Saunders considered himself an Objectivist , but is now repulsed by the philosophy, comparing it ... ... Read more

Product Description
Author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand (1905-1982) is one of the most widely read philosophers of the twentieth century. Yet, despite the sale of nearly thirty million copies of her works, there have been few extended scholarly examinations of her thought. Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical provides the first comprehensive analysis of the intellectual roots and philosophy of this controversial thinker.Chris Sciabarra views Rand's 'Objectivism' as a rejection--and affirmation--of key elements in the Russian tradition. Born in Russia during the Silver Age, Rand was educated at Leningrad University and studied with N. O. Lossky. She absorbed a dialectical method of inquiry that profoundly influenced her literary and philosophic project. Her distinctive libertarian synthesis is presented as a major contribution to radical social theory. Ultimately, Sciabarra challenges Rand's followers and critics to reassess her thought and its place in intellectual history.In writing this book, the author conducted original historical research, using materials from the Leningrad archives, interviews with Lossky's descendants and other Russian contemporaries of Rand, and an astounding diversity of sources within the vast written and oral tradition of Objectivism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

A much needed book
It is refreshing to see at last a critical review of the philosophical thought of Ayn Rand, since her philosophy is sometimes described as "naive", and, perhaps just as troubling, as the greatest philosophy ever to appear in print. The author of this book has given the reader an honest and in-depth analysis of one of the most controversial figures in twentieth-century philosophical thought. Rand was not an academic philosopher, and this, coupled with her frequent vitriolic attacks against many philosophical schools of thought, induced many to speak out against her, and they typically did so with a degree of vituperation unmatched as yet in public debate. Fortunately the shouting and name-calling typically accompanying discussion of Randian philosophy is not included in this book. Also not included is any blind, uncritical allegiance to Randian philosophy, for this can also accompany discussions of it. Rand has made some interesting contributions to philosophical thought, and her theory of ethics is I believe unequaled, and one can find a very thorough discussion of just how she arrived at this theory throughout this book. However Rand, like every other philosopher, cannot remove herself from history and cultural influences, and view the world from a detached, apodictic point of view, for that is the nature of human learning. One builds on what has been done before, and with careful thought and unique insight, some original ideas can then be developed, which will hopefully extend what has been done before, and nontrivially. The author of this book clearly shows the historical origins of Randian thought, those origins have their place in the Russian university that Rand attended.

The author sees the problem for Randian scholarship as predominantly arising from her public persona, and thus scholars need to differentiate Rand's personality from her philosophy. Her intransigence, intolerance, and general mean-spiritedness must be ignored if one is not to collapse into psychologism, argues the author. Scholars must also he argues, attempt to find out what actually defines her philosophy and makes it distinctive. This has been a source of contention in recent years, with different "schools of thought" established, each claiming to represent exclusively her philosophy.

Another virtue of this book is the author's insistence on using a hermeneutical approach when analyzing Randian philosophy.The information content of an idea, he argues, includes myriads of unforeseeable non-trivial statements, this being similar to what happens in mathematics. It is well known to those who practice mathematics that a large number of problems and concepts can be generated from a particular area of it. These problems can go way beyond the intent of the mathematicians who created this particular area. Many advocates of Randian philosophy, as the author points out, like to think of her philosophy as a "closed system". Without actually defining it, one can only make educated guesses as to what this really means. If it means a deductive system where each statement can be derived from others within the system, and no further development is necessary, then this is problematic. The example of mathematics again shows that a deductive system can be extended greatly depending on the ingenuity of the researcher.

Rand herself was a poor scholar, only infrequently quoting works of philosophy that she deemed worthy of inclusion. Considering her confidence in the originality of her ideas this is not surprising. However every claim about another scholar's ideas should be given textual support. Indeed, Rand's criticism of Immanuel Kant is unrelenting, but her analysis of his philosophy lacks the depth needed to judge his philosophy from her vantage point. Luckily the author assists the reader in the understanding of just why Rand objected to Kant so vociferously.

Hopefully this book will be the first in many that will put Rand in the historical context of twentieth century philosophy. Rand is a fairly good example of what can be produced outside the academy if one has the cognitive discipline and the large amounts of time needed to develop systematic philosophical systems. The information age has brought publishing strategies that Rand did not have when she was alive. The doors are thus open for most anyone to express their ideas and have them accessible to a world-wide audience. Critical works of philosophy can thus be produced both inside and outside the academy.

A useful and serious interpretation
I found this book a very pleasant surprise, a serious and largely successful attempt to separate the philosophical system of Ayn Rand from her personality and from the cultishness often accurately attributed to many of her proponents.Sciabarra finds some depth to Objectivism as a serious defense of "libertarian" ideals, worthy of more consideration than has typically been afforded the popular novellist and political theorist.

Sciabarra has to work hard to accomplish this task, and in the process resorts self-consciously to describing Rand's work in terms very different than she or most of her proponents would use.The author clearly recognizes that this will quite predictably alienate Rand fans.The book isn't neccessarily written, or most useful, for them.

By opening up the terminology a bit, and finding reasonably hypothesized general influences on Rand's life and thought, Sciabarra is able to reveal aspects of Objectivist reasoning and assumptions that those more familiar with other philosophers can now appreciate.This is not a small matter, because the ideas are potentially very profound.

With Sciabarra's efforts, Objectivist ideas may begin to be placed more realistically in an intellectual and historical context, rather than being treated as an isolated phenomenon that began and ended with Ayn Rand.Her work can be appreciated for its good ideas, as well as criticized for its potential mistakes.

This book is most fascinating for its unique and accessible description of the currents of often difficult Russian philosophy, its exposition of dialectic method, and its potential to translate Rand's own idiom into a form that can be compared with other philosophers in a clarifying way.It is also, as far as I can tell, quite true to what I have always felt was the "spirit" of Objectivist thinking, the passionate and broadly inclusive defense of the individual mind.

At the same time, Sciabarra almost manages the extraordinarily difficult task of separating out Objectivism from the foundationalist tendency it instills in its most passionate adherents to certify itself as infallibly true.Without that aura of insufferably dogmatic adherence, the ideas take on a new life.

One of the things that has traditionally left Rand scholarship out in the cold has been its isolationism from academic philosophy, an attitude that seems to be mutual.Sciabarra makes a serious effort to bring Rand scholarship into academic respectability, and to me he does a very credible job.

This book has three sections dealing with (1) historical context in Russian and European philosophy showing what aspects of her Russian heritage she absorbed and what she vehemently rejected and giving some possible insight into why, (2) the structure and content of Objectivism in terms of realism, individualism, and libertarianism combined with a radical dialectical method, and (3) Rand's approach to social criticism, Rand as a "Russian radical for capitalism."

I think it could easily be argued by both Rand critics and Rand proponents that this book is reading far more into Objectivism than it actually contains, but to me that is what made it so interesting.It deals with the implications of the ideas themselves rather than the individuals involved and their own personal interpretations, and that is what makes for lasting philosophical significance.

I'd characterize this book as a thorough non-critical analysis by someone not specifically part of Objectivist thinking but interested in its potential value.It serves as a very good translation guide to understanding Rand's ideas and their implications, but in many places it does not examine them quite as critically as I personally would have preferred.

This book is Meta-Rand. It is applied Objectivism.
First let me say that this book is a difficult read. Having said that, it is a must read for any serious student of Ayn Rand's "project."

Chris Sciabarra makes a strong case for the dialectical nature of Rand's philosophy. He looks at how her work might have been informed by her Russian roots and the early experiences of her life and how she developed a philosophy that attempted to integrate all aspects of Objective Reality. Objective Reality as Rand saw it is not inherently fragmented. A philosophy based on Objective Reality would of necessity integrate all aspects into a cohesive whole.

Apparently, some who regard Rand as a mystical goddess, take offense at the sharp focus that Sciabarra puts on her work. This seems odd, given that this book demonstrates a profound respect for her intellectual accomplishments.

Rand often said in her own writing that each person had a right to act in his own rational self-interest, and with that right came a moral obligation to actively seek the truth (Objective Reality) as a prerequisite of rational choice. In essense, Sciabarra has used Rand's most fundamental principles to attempt an objective analysis of her analysis. This makes his effort a moral one. Yet to some he has committed the original sin by eating from the tree of knowledge and must be cast out of the Garden of Eden for it.

My only criticism was that this book does not critique her failures or attempt to explain her tyranny toward those closest to her. But that subject has been covered in other books by those who knew her personally and is well beyond the scope of this book.

Sciabarra's thoroughly researched RUSSIAN RADICAL will remain an important contribution to Rand scholarship for many years to come.

Major Virtue Overlooked
In my opinion, the other reviewers have neglected to mention the chief virtue of this work: its recontextualization of Rand's thought. I use this word, "recontextualization," not as a synonym for any of the species of vicious post-structuralist truth-twisting, but in its literal sense. Sciabarra shows that Rand should not be understood - historically, at least - as the woman who came to fix the systems of Locke and Bacon, the woman who came to answer Hume and Kant. Instead, she should be understood as a thinker at the intersection of two traditions: Russian literary-philosophy as practiced in the 'kruzhoks' of the late 19th Century, and American (emigre) libertarian thought of the early 20th Century. The method and content of Rand's philosophical work has much more in common with Tolstoy and Chernychevskij, Nock and Paterson, than it does with the various Greek and enlightenment thinkers who she so admired. I recommend this book to anyone interested in cultural history, Russian Studies, or the formal features of Rand's own system of philosophical analysis.

"Along Came a Spider..."'
"Little Ms. Rand

Took a bold stand,

By defining her morals andways..."

For decades, philosophers have tried to dismiss thephilosophy of Ayn Rand as being superficial and unworthy of attention. Andfor decades, philosophy professors have been continually consternated bystudents who insist that Rand's philosophy of Objectivism is unique andmeaningful. Try as they might, "professional" philosophers justcannot convince the "common man philosopher" that Ayn Rand shouldbe excluded from the pantheon of "serious" philosophers...

"But along came a spider..., (Oops, I meant Sciabarra!)

Who satdown beside her...

To trick her young fledglings away!"

Thespider said, "Since we cannot extinguish Ms. Rand as a philosopher whostands OUT from the crowd, we will embrace and smother her as a philosopherwho cannot be distinguished FROM the crowd."

And thusSciabarra's book was born.

On the bad side, Sciabarra's book takesseveral hundred pages to "prove" nothing. This is several hundredpages of TEDIOUS details, side-issues, tangents, and irrelevancies...

On the good side, he uncovers some specific details about her life inRussia before she came to the United States. But these details are merelysmall curiosities, and do nothing to diminish the originality and value ofher work.

Bottom line: this ponderous tome can be mind-numbing inits pretentious (and vain) complexity, but it does not succeed indiminishing the stature of Rand's works, except for those who disliked heralready. If you have digested Objectivist philosophy for a few years, youmight read this book to sharpen your critical reading "teeth."But unless you're a devoted "hater" of Rand, or a seriousObjectivist with the time and money to wade through gratuitous andpretentious philosophical "muck," you shouldn't waste your moneyon "Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical." If your reading comprehensionskills (and your emotional discipline) are above average, then by allmeans, take the time to sit down in a bookstore and spend a couple hoursskimming through it.

But that's all it's worth. A good skim. Nothingmore. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Modest Collection of Essays
Published in 1984 `The Philosophic Thought of Ayn Rand' edited by Uyl and Rasmussen is a collection of essays discussing the philosophy of Ayn Rand. Rand is a well known twentieth century American novelist and political commentator.The following thoughts are offered for potential purchasers.

The text is divided into three sections,; metaphysics and epistemology, ethics and politics.Each section has an introductory essay by the editors.With only two contributions the segment discussing metaphysics and epistemology is the shortest and least interesting part of the book. While there is a rich philosophical tradition in these areas , Rand appears to have a limited interest in these subjects aside from the role they play in underwriting her ethical and political views.Consequently, there is not a lot of source material to use. Rand seems to advocate naïve/common sense realism, positing the existence of an agent-independent world and our ability to access and understand it via our senses and cognitive abilities.While helpful in highlighting some of Rand Aristotelian views the essays in this section are rather weak.

Rand's writings in the areas of ethics and politics are much more extensive and, as a consequence the related essays are accordingly more interesting.Hollinger's essay discussing Rand's connection to Aristotle and the virtue ethics tradition is well written and insightful.The notion of human flourishing evident in the virtue tradition is helpful in understanding Rand's view of value.From my perspective, the best essay in the collection is from Charles King, Many readers approaching Rand for the first type find her work difficult as a result of her emotive language and rather esoteric use of terminology.King is helpful in clarify Rand's terminology and identifying her underlying contentions.Flew's essay on Rand's politics is also worth a look, in particular, his thoughts with regard to strengthening her argument for capitalism are interesting.

Despite its limitations I enjoyed the book - Rand's work has been largely overlooked by the philosophical world and this small anthology provides some rare and critical insight into her thought.That said, it is a modest collection of essays from minor philosophers (with the exception of Flew). I would, however,not want to sound overly critical of the contributors.While Rand is a colorful character with some interesting thoughts she is a `philosopher' only in the broadest sense of the term. As noted by several of the commentators, Rand seems to have limited awareness and interest in the broader philosophical world - this is unfortunate as it limits her effectiveness.Rand is an accomplished writer of romantic fiction and many of her ideas (for good or bad) are not presented in a clear and systematic way that lends itself to easy analysis.

Overall, the text is largely a period piece and is likely of interest to a limited audience.

A book for critical thinkers
This book, despite its occasional faults and shortcomings, nevertheless represented, at the time of its publication, a considerable leap forward in Randian criticism.While some of the essays (most notably, those by the editors and Tibor Machan) add little if anything to our understanding of Rand, most of the rest contain at least several important insights, and some contain scores of them.Wallace Matson, despite his odd desire to replace concepts with words and his fallacious remarks about the problem of induction, nevertheless has some apt things to say about the Objectivist axioms."The subjectivists are not so obliging as to deny existence outright," he rightly points out.And his remarks about Rand's abuse of the "fallacy of the 'stolen concept'" are on the mark as well.Hollinger's essay, which, as far as I know, is the only critical examination of Rand's theory of history, is one of the best in the book.Wheeler's ensuing essay on Aristotle is helpful in pointing out various instances when Rand misunderstood or misinterprets the old pedant of Athens.The best essay in the book, however, is J. Charles King's masterful refutation of Rand's ethical theory.King shows that life cannot possibly be the ultimate standard of value because life is a means to an end, not an end in itself.Next we have Eric Mack's refutation of Rand's theory of rights.While it is true that Mack just skims the surface of the problem, Mack's treatment is still the best to date.

Reviewers have been nearly universal in condemning Antony Flew's excellent essay on Randian selfishness, for reasons that I don't quite understand.(I suspect they were more interested in refuting Flew than in understanding him.)Flew, a distinguished British philosopher, contributes an essay of remarkable insight and good sense.He points out that Rand's moral ideas "could have been much better illustrated with the help of detailed accounts of paradigm lives, both good and bad."He aptly describes Rand's view that there can never be a conflict of interest between rational men as an "embarrassment of all concerned, reminiscent of the revelation in the Communist Manifesto that, in the upcoming utopia, 'the free development of each will be the condition of the free development of all.'"Flew proceeds to demolish the Randian view by pointing out that Rand's whole discussion of the matter involves "a constricted and factitious interpretation of the term interests."(Many of the problems in Rand's philosophy stem from "a constricted and factitious interpretation" of terms.)He ends the essay by showing how Rand's case for competitive capitalism can be bolstered by introducing ideas first developed by Adam Smith.In all, a very fine collection of essays; but worth reading only for those capable of understanding philosophical argumentation.Dogmatic, uncritical Objectivists had best stick with works recommended by Peikoff.

A very mixed collection of essays
*The Philosophical Thought of Ayn Rand* is a collection of ten essays on Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, more or less hierarchically organized into three parts: Metaphysics and Epistemology, Ethics and Politics.

Theessays included fall into two very distinct categories: those written byindependent Ayn Rand scholars, like Den Uyl, Rasmussen, Machan or Mack, whoshow a real familiarity with Rand's published works (or, to be moreprecise, those works published prior to the publication of the book in1984); and essays written by generally unsympathetic philosophers whomerely took the trouble of reading a few Objectivist essays before refutingwhat are mostly misunderstandings of Rand's statements or arguments.

Oneexample is Anthony Flew, whose pompously titled essay "Selfishness andthe Unintended Consequences of Intended Action" combines a very cogentdefense of the free market with a completely inept treatment of Rand'srational egoism. Flew takes the following statement from *TheFountainhead*: "No man can live for another... It is impossible inconcept"; interprets it as meaning that no action can be unselfish andself-sacrificing; easily refutes the latter; and then blames Rand for her"false conclusion", her "lapse" and the"mess" she got herself into. Unfortunately for him, Rand was notsaying that it is impossible ever to *act* in a self-sacrificial way, butthat it was impossible consistently to *live* for another, which is totallydifferent, and which I do not think Flew would be able to refute. As forhis comment that "Rand is... mistaking it that all human relationshipsare or should be trading transactions", I surmise it is based on tooliteral an interpretation of the "trader principle", which is theObjectivist alternative to predatory egoism and altruism. Finally, therefutation of the Objectivist principle that there is no conflict ofinterest among rational men is based on an unjustified reading of"interest" as synonymous with "desire".

But the nadirof this collection is probably Wallace Matson's "Rand onConcepts" which claims to reformulate the Objectivist theory ofconcept-formation in a way that "preserves what is of value in Rand'streatment" and then proceeds to get rid of concepts altogether,claiming they are a dispensable "mysterious and subjective... thirdentity between word and thing"!

Of the ten essays included here, Iwould say that the five written by the better-informed Ayn Rand scholarsare worth reading and often contain interesting observations and criticisms(though none that are so earth-shattering as to really threaten thestructure of Objectivism), while the other five, when they are notoff-topic, are generally lame.

Still Valuable Collection of Essays
This collection of essays came out in 1984 and is a little bit dated in light of more recent work on Rand.While the collection contains a couple of clunkers, it contains at least one real gem: J. Charles King's"Life and the Theory of Value," the best refutation of Rand'sethics I'm aware of.

Range of opinion
This is an excellent compendium of articles on Rand by a range of philosophers. The close reader of Rand will note how Wheeler and Flew display the academic mindset of Anglo-american philosophy which readsnothing of what happens in other countries, particularly their hangups onhow Rand ignores prepositional conventions typical to English in discussingepistemology.

Yet these are the questions and issues brought up byintelligent persons who have trouble leavingtheir local judeo-christianmindset. Precisely this sort of discussion is required for her ideas to beabsorbed by many. One hopes that as Rand's ideas are discussed in othercountries, a follow- up volume with a more cosmopolitan range ofphilosophers will follow from the authors. ... Read more

Product Description
James Rushing’s novel, GOD is REASON, shows that a reconciliation of God and reason is fundamental to the resolution of the pressing political and social problems. His story shows how the justice that follows the identity and unity of God and Reason is the source of peace and prosperity. According to Rushing, the identity of God is necessary for this reconciliation and his novel, GOD is REASON, confronts this ultimate identity question and shows, not tells, his discovery that the identity of God is Reason. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Ayn Rand it aint.
A weak redux in story and substance of concepts so well done by Rand. A is NOT A with this book. It only pretends to be A.

A drug war gone bad!
If you liked the movie Billy Jack you will like this book. You will have to replace the Vietnam war with the war on drugs. This is a novel about good intentions gone amok. When the city started its war on drugs it was done with the best of intentions. Before long an over zealous program started accusing innocent people, and imprisoning the mentally impaired who are dependent on drugs.
The story follows the lives of two brothers, who grew up in the bad side of town. They are taken in by Paul Brand, who sets them on the right path by utilizing their artistic talents.
Throughout the novel Paul tries to prove that man can know God because God is reason.

Entertaining and Thought-Provoking
God is Reason is a wonderful novel exploring individual freedoms and the power of reason.Through the protagonist, Vincent West, the author shows mankind's quest to rise above the complexities and chaos of real life to achieve harmony and happiness.The setting is a small town where the Mayor is waging a war to rid the town of drugs and violence.Once the novel is set, the author fades back and forth through many scenes that keep the reader in suspense and make it almost impossible to put the book down.Not only is God is Reason entertaining, but it is also thought-provoking.

Romance, Action Packed, & Reason!
When I first saw the title of this book I thought it was going to be more like a documentary on reasons people believe in God versus reasons people believe in science on how we were created. I was pleasantly surprised right from the beginning of the book.

The book starts out with two young people in love. Characters you immediately like. Then it quickly turns into an action packed book! You worry for the young man and want him to return safe to his sweet and innocent love.

The story plot is very believable as scary things such as gangs is going on around us in real life as it is in the book.

Never a dull moment in this book! I found myself holding my breath for Vincent not to be shot!

James Rushing does a wonderful job explaining through the storytelling on God is Reason. I highly recommend this book to enlighten yourself. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did!

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Product Description
The adventure stories of the boy wizard Harry Potter tap life's most pressing questions about love and values, evil, free will, and the soul.

Ari Armstrong's Values of Harry Potter explores the complex themes of J. K. Rowling's beloved novels, illuminating the heroic fight for life-promoting values, the hero's need for independence, and the role of choice in virtue. Drawing on the ideas of Aristotle and Ayn Rand, Armstrong then critiques the Christian elements of self-sacrifice and immortality, arguing that they ultimately clash with the essential nature of the hero as exemplified by Harry Potter and his allies.

Values of Harry Potter offers a unique, succinct, and provocative look at Rowling's revolutionary novels for both enthusiasts and critics.

"I've read all the Harry Potter novels multiple times, discussed them at length with friends, read essays analyzing them, and even published an essay of my own. Yet Ari Armstrong's Values of Harry Potter offered me a delightful array of fresh insights into J. K. Rowling's works. It offers fans of the Harry Potter a unique opportunity to explore the core values of the novels, to discover why we find them so captivating and so inspiring. Readers will develop a deeper appreciation for Rowling's achievement in portraying life-loving, courageous heroes. They will discover compelling answers to any half-formed questions and doubts about the significance of her Christian themes. When I re-read the Harry Potter series -- as I'm eager to do again -- I will gain far more insight and inspiration from them than ever before, thanks to Values of Harry Potter."
--Diana Hsieh, NoodleFood, "Dursley Duplicity" in Harry Potter and Philosophy

"In his new book, Values of Harry Potter: Lessons for Muggles, Armstrong, true to form, challenges Harry Potter theorists of all stripes. While some call the Harry Potter books anti-Christian, and others suggest they celebrate Christian principles, Armstrong argues persuasively that Harry Potter neither promotes nor rebukes Christianity, but instead advances more universal, and thought-provoking, human themes."
--Joel Warner, Westword, October 28, 2008 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent!
I cannot recommend this book enough.

Several years ago I noticed the passionate interest in Harry Potter. This interest spanned from young children to my college-aged friends. Why? What about H.P. attracted individuals from such different ages and backgrounds?

Armstrong, the author, answers this question. He argues that Harry Potter combines a wonderfully vivid setting with powerful heroes.

This is an excellent book that can be read in a day.

Integrating the Harry Potter Story
Armstrong's book will be an enormously invaluable aid to anyone seeking to understand the Harry Potter series in terms of a few key abstract concepts that permeate and propel the adventures of Harry Potter.In varying degrees, the same concepts also propel the lives of real-life humans.

Chapter 1 explores the ways in which the Harry Potter books exemplify "The Heroic Fight for Values."Chapter 2 explores independence and its important role in heroic action, contrasting independence with various forms of dependence on others -- again as strikingly exemplified in the Harry Potter books.Chapter 3 explores free will in the Harry Potter story as yet another element crucial to the heroic pursuit and defense of values.These are the major elements that Armstrong sees as vital in earthly living as well as crucial to the appeal and deeper meaning of the Harry Potter adventures.

Armstrong also notes that the Harry Potter books project clashing elements, too, notably the "Clash of Love and Sacrifice" (Chapter 4) and the role of belief in an eternal spiritual life enduring beyond physical death (Chapter 5).As a corollary of belief in an immortal soul, Armstrong explores differing views of materialism as projected in the Harry Potter books.

But Armstrong argues that ultimately these clashing aspects of the Harry Potter books are diluted by the three positive themes.In Chapter 4, for example (p. 81), Armstrong describes how the scene in which Harry rescues Malfoy (Book 7) could have been written to portray Harry's action as more truly self-sacrificial, but that J. K. Rowling's version is "as though Rowling cannot bring herself to commmit to an act of self-sacrifice."

Armstrong acknowledges that he draws on the ideas of Aristotle and Ayn Rand.Fans of Ayn Rand, in particular, will readily recognize Armstrong's analyses as deeply indebted to Ayn Rand's philosophy.Fans and non-fans alike will find the analyses fascinating in their depth and insight, superbly complementing the more abstract philosophical presentations in Ayn Rand's books.

Armstrong's book remains completely accessible to general readers, with no previous knowledge of Ayn Rand's ideas needed or assumed.Yet at the same time, those seeking to understand Ayn Rand's broader philosophical system will find an excellent introductory survey in Armstrong's illuminating analyses of the adventures of Harry Potter.
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Product Description
Do you go to a job everyday that you cannot stand and know you are supposed to be doing something else with your life? Discover How to Find Your Passion and Turning it into a Fortune!

The Complete Guide to Finding your Passion and Loving Like is here - Learn how you can remove barriers that are not healthy for you and stopping you from following your dreams. When you remove barriers you will finally be free and happy.

Here's a Few Things You'll Learn in the 'Loving Life' Guide...

* How to achieve true happiness

* How to use curiosity to your benefit

* How to use creativity to your benefit

* Learn what your true passion is

* Learn about you and what you need to do to make it happen

* How you can use your passion and put it to work

* Making it a reality

* And More...

You can live out your dreams and your passions! ... Read more

Product Description
Is it possible to craft effective forms of spiritual expression that are consistent with a rational, non-theistic philosophical ideal? Drawing on his lifelong experience with the application of the philosophy of Objectivism in daily life, Mr. Bidinotto outlines how one can adapt traditional spiritual practices to an Objectivist context, how an Objectivist community can share values, and how individuals can infuse their everyday lives with a sense of meaning, inspiration, and idealism through the development of such practices. ... Read more

Product Description
An excellent overview of Ayn Rand's life, novels, andphilosophy of Objectivism, author Chris Matthew Sciabarra offersinsightful examinations into Rand's early intellectual influences, herfictional themes and characters, her stance as a public philosopher,her political activism, and much more. Also contains a comprehensivebibliography. ... Read more

Product Description
Is Virtue Only a Means to Happiness? assesses the nature of virtue and happiness in Ayn Rand's writings and those of her Objectivist followers.

In the title essay, Neera Badhwar argues virtues are constitutive components of happiness. Supporting this position, she cites recent psychological findings and calls into question Rand's dictum "emotions are not tools of cognition." Badhwar holds that a separation of emotion and cognition undermines a proper understanding of virtuous dispositions. She pits Rand against Rand to buttress her claims, arguing that Rand's novels contradict her non-fiction writings on these points.

This volume also includes three commentary essays by Jay Friendenberg, Lester H. Hunt, and David Kelley. And in a reply to these comments, Badhwar defends her meta-ethics and conception of virtue. ... Read more

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Byte size (BiO) Spiritualism on Matters of Emotion, for pennies a bite:“Where can I buy me one of them Happiness Meters?/or, that is, What’s a teleömeter?”. ... Or that is, How can I measure happiness if I don’t know what it is?Happiness is... ... Read more

Product Description
The Foundations of Knowledge is a five-part lecturecourse consisting of seven audiotapes that remains to this day themost thorough (and profound) explication and analysis of Objectivistepistemology. Includes "The Primacy of Existence," "Universals andInduction," "The Nature of Free Will," "The Epistemology ofPerception," and "Skepticism." ... Read more

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Even before Objectivism becomes a cultural force, its practitioners can develop social structures that embody their ideals and nurture them in pursuing values. Mr. Bidinotto offers practical ideas for creating an Objectivist "community of values" now. ... Read more

Product Description
The Literary Art of Ayn Rand focuses on Rand as a writer: the brilliantly distinctive stylist, the master of aphorism and symbol, the apostle of essentialistic characterization, the rigorous integrator who insisted thatall elements in a work serve a single theme, and the igenious plotter who took pride in constructing her magnum opus as a "stunt" novel of mystery and misdirection.

Now in one volume, nine essays by six authors shed new light on the depth and complexity behind Rand's inspiring and entertaining writing. The contributors include:

Kirsti Minsaas:
"Structural Integration in The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged"
"The Visual Power of Ayn Rand's Fiction"
"The Stylization of Mind in Ayn Rand's Fiction."

Susan McCloskey:
"Odysseus, Jesus, and Dagny: Ayn Rand's Conception of theHero"
"Work and Love in The Fountainhead"

Mimi Reisel Gladstein:
"Breakthroughs in Ayn Rand Literary Criticism"

Nathaniel Branden:
"The Literary Method of Ayn Rand"

David Kelley:
"The Code of the Creator"

Stephen Cox:
"The Literary Achievement of The Fountainhead" ... Read more

Product Description
Cognitive psychologists have discovered that certainkinds of errors people make when reasoning are not random and thatthey follow certain patterns. Dr. Livingston employs a creative use ofthe Objectivist theory of concepts to explain why these patterns makesense. ... Read more