Objectivism

Objectivism is a philosophical system developed by Ayn Rand (with early contributions by Nathaniel Branden) that advocates reasoning as the primary means of knowledge and a politics grounded in individual rights. Rand presented Objectivism in philosophical essays and in her novels, notably The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, and a body of non-fiction essays collected in works such as The Virtue of Selfishness and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. The term refers to an “objective” reality that exists independently of consciousness and to a method of acquiring knowledge through reason.

Metaphysics and epistemology in Objectivism hold that reality exists independently of thoughts or feelings, and that humans can know the world through reason, sense perception, and logical inference. Emotion is not a tool of cognition; it can influence values but must not govern belief. Ethics prescribe rational self-interest as the proper moral aim, with the pursuit of one’s own life and happiness as the moral purpose of existence. The seven cardinal virtues are rationality, independence, integrity, honesty, justice, productiveness, and pride. Altruism and mysticism are rejected.

In politics, Objectivism advocates limited government whose sole function is to protect individual rights, including property rights, through the police, military, courts, and a legal system. Economic arrangement is laissez-faire capitalism, with voluntary exchange and minimal state interference. The philosophy has impacted libertarian and some conservative thought and has faced criticism for its portrayal of self-interest, its stance on altruism, and its portrayal of ethics and society. Prominent organizations include the Ayn Rand Institute and various academic discussions within Objectivist circles.