Neo-Objectivism

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Neo-Objectivism covers a large family of philosophical viewpoints and cultural values derived from but not necessarily in agreement with Objectivist philosophy. Various, sometimes logically incompatible, viewpoints have been described as "Neo-Objectivist," provided that they are substantially similar to the viewpoints endorsed by Objectivist philosophy. However, some adherents to Ayn Rand's Objectivism, viewing it as an integrated system, strongly disagree and disavow any deviations from her philosophy's principles; they do not consider the term "Neo-Objectivist" to be an accurate description of any philosophic system.

Neo-Objectivists typically agree with Objectivists on certain core values. They typically emphasize the importance of reason and the acceptance of reality, and they support individualism, egoism, enlightened self-interest, and capitalism. However, Neo-Objectivists also depart from orthodox Objectivists (including Ayn Rand) on some issues.

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[edit] Varieties

Some Neo-Objectivists stick relatively close to Objectivism, merely rejecting (for example) Rand’s "life-to-value" argument in ethics, Leonard Peikoff’s analyses of cognitive error and the nature of moral evil, Rand’s views about human psychology, or Rand’s views on the philosophy of art. Among these is Tibor R. Machan, the author of Ayn Rand (Peter Lang, 2001) and Objectivity (Ashgate, 2004). Some don’t reject Objectivist doctrine per se, but they reject the way that some orthodox Objectivists apply the doctrine to real life situations. Other Neo-Objectivists depart much further from Rand’s philosophy; some emphasize the values of being open-minded, tolerant, and flexible, and consequently consider themselves to be more pragmatic than orthodox Objectivists. Some Neo-Objectivists are anarcho-capitalists rather than minarchists.

[edit] Spiritualists

Some Neo-Objectivists think that spirituality or acceptance of the supernatural is compatible with Objectivism. Consequently, some are agnostic rather than atheistic, while others embrace modified forms of Buddhism and Paganism (seeing these as having components compatible with Objectivist ideals). Anton LaVey has described his Satanism as "just Ayn Rand's philosophy with ceremony and ritual added;"[1] however, this claim is considered erroneous by Objectivist and Neo-Objectivist thinkers, and many of his followers are unfamiliar with Rand.[2]

[edit] Kelley, Branden, and Rand

There is no self-identified "Neo-Objectivist movement". Nonetheless, many people refer to themselves as "Neo-Objectivists", without being specific about what this entails. Some refer to David Kelley as the first Neo-Objectivist, because he argued that Objectivism is an "open system". Kelley, though, has never used this label to describe himself: he merely says that he is an Objectivist, an advocate of "reason, individualism, achievement, and capitalism."

Ayn Rand's collaborator Nathaniel Branden, who was instrumental in launching the Objectivist movement in the 1960s, has said that Rand herself viewed Objectivism as an open system. He noted,[3]

Were Ayn Rand alive today, obviously she would have the right to say, "Do not describe as 'Objectivism' any viewpoint I disagree with." But when her agreement or disagreement is no longer possible, we are on our own to judge what is or is not compatible with Objectivism——and that could include even challenging some position of Rand's which we believe to be in conflict with her more fundamental premises."

In answer to whether Objectivism is a philosophic system open to change, interpretation and alteration, Ayn Rand herself once said, "There is nothing wrong in using ideas, anybody's ideas. Provided that you give appropriate credit, you can make any mixture of ideas that you want; the contradiction will be yours. But why do you need the name of someone (or their philosophy) with whom you do not agree in order to spread your misunderstandings——or worse, your nonsense and falsehoods?"[4]

[edit] See also

  • Neo-Tech philosophy considers itself a "dynamic" form of Objectivism.
  • The Fellowship of Reason applies Objectivist insights into ethics and spirituality within the framework of a "moral community".

[edit] References

  1. ^ James R. Lewis. Who Serves Satan? A Demographic and Ideological Profile. Retrieved on 2008-02-01.
  2. ^ Andrew Russell. "Satanism and Objectivism"—An Objectivist's Response. Retrieved on 2008-02-01.
  3. ^ Nathaniel Branden. "Who Owns Objectivism?". Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
  4. ^ Ayn Rand (1971), “"The Moratorium on Brains"”, The Ford Hall Forum  annual lecture (question-and-answer period).

[edit] External links