Objectivism

Understanding Objectivism

Feelosofi –  Objectivism is a school of philosophical thought that has its roots in the works of Ayn Rand, a famous philosopher and writer. This school bases its understanding on the basic concept that reality is objective, or in other words, exists outside individual consciousness. In the context of objectivism, reality is seen as an entity that exists independently of human perception. This thinking emphasizes the importance of rational knowledge obtained through observation and logical thinking.

One of the main pillars of objectivism is ethics which focuses on concepts such as rationality, individual rights, and universal moral principles. Objectivism asserts that individuals have the right to pursue their own happiness and be free from harmful interference from the government or other individuals. This school also emphasizes the importance of personal success, achievement and self-responsibility.

Objectivism is also applied in various fields such as politics, economics and art. In politics, objectivism believes that the role of government should be limited to protecting individual rights, including property rights and freedom of contract. In economics, this school supports capitalism as the economic system that best fits the principles of objectivism, where individuals have the right to seek profit and have control over the results of their hard work. In art, objectivism encourages honest and authentic personal expression.

Overall, objectivism is a school of thought that emphasizes the importance of logic , rationality, and individual rights, and views the world on an objective and independent philosophical basis.

History Of Objectivism

The history of objectivism is the story of the development of a school of philosophical thought that greatly influenced various aspects of life, especially in social and political thought. Objectivism originates from the thoughts of the controversial philosopher and writer, Ayn Rand, who introduced these ideas through her most famous works, “ Atlas Shrugged ” and “ The Fountainhead .”

Objectivism was born in the mid-20th century in the United States. Ayn Rand, a Russian immigrant, was a pioneer in developing this school. He laid out the basics of objectivism in two thought-provoking epic works. In “ Atlas Shrugged ” he depicts a vision of a world in which productive and creative individuals face oppression by governments and collective groups. This work provides a philosophical foundation for this school, emphasizing the importance of individual rights, rational ethics , and free capitalism.

In the 1950s and 1960s, objectivist thinking began to gain wider following and recognition. Ayn Rand founded an organization called the “ Ayn Rand Institute ” to support and develop the ideas of this school. Followers of objectivism, known as “Objectivists,” formulated their views on objectivism through conferences, writings, and seminars. This school had a major impact on fields such as philosophy , politics, economics, and literature.

To this day, objectivist thinking remains a controversial and influential school of philosophical thought. Although divided into various interpretations and approaches, objectivism continues to influence social and political debates, especially on issues related to individual rights, capitalism, and rational ethics . The history of objectivism is a story about the journey of thought that gave birth to ideas that have had a strong influence on modern thought.

Principles Of Objectivism

The principles of objectivism are the philosophical foundation underlying this school of thought. This school was developed by Ayn Rand and centers on key ideas that guide the way individuals understand the world and interact with society. Here are some key principles of objectivism:

1. Objectivity: The main principle of objectivism is objectivity, which means that reality exists independently of individual perception. It emphasizes that the real world exists and can be known objectively through observation and common sense.
2. Rationality: Objectivism promotes rationality as humans’ primary means of understanding the world. This means that individuals must use common sense and logic in decision making and problem solving.
3. Individual Rights: This school emphasizes individual rights as a fundamental principle. Individual rights include the right to freedom of thought, the right to property, the right to pursue happiness, and the right to be free from harmful interference by the government or other parties.
4. Rational Ethics: Objectivism promotes ethics based on rationality. This means that ethical actions are actions that are in line with rational thinking and objective moral principles.
5. Capitalism: This school supports the capitalist economic system as the best way to realize individual rights and provide incentives for individuals to achieve their full potential. Capitalism is seen as a system that promotes free competition, freedom of contract, and private ownership.
6. Rejection of Collectivism: Objectivism rejects the concept of collectivism, which sacrifices individual rights for the interests of a group or society. This school believes that individuals have the right to their own lives and should not be sacrificed for collective interests.
7. Personal Achievement: The principle of objectivism encourages individuals to achieve their personal potential through effort, hard work, and a sense of self-responsibility. Personal achievement and personal happiness are considered noble goals.

The principles of objectivism form the basis of understanding morality, politics, and worldviews. This school has influenced various fields including philosophy , politics, economics, and the arts, and continues to be the subject of debate and discussion in society.

Conclusion

The conclusion of objectivism is that this school of thought offers a worldview that is very different from many other philosophies and ideologies . By focusing on objectivity, rationality and individual rights, objectivism invites individuals to see the world as a reality that can be understood through logical thinking and objective observation.

One of the important points in objectivism is how important it is to respect individual rights. This school emphasizes that the right to freedom of thought, property rights, and the right to seek happiness are fundamental rights that must be respected and defended. Objectivism opposes all forms of interference that threaten these rights, whether from governments or collective groups.

Apart from that, objectivism also emphasizes the role of rationality in living life. Individuals are expected to use common sense and logic in decision making, and strive to achieve their personal potential through hard work and achievement.

In an economic context, objectivism supports the capitalist system which is considered to be the system most appropriate to individuals’ rights to own and manage the results of their own hard work.

The conclusion of objectivism is that this school provides a strong view of the importance of individual rights, rationality and individual freedom, and serves as a foundation of thought that influences various aspects of human life. Although controversial, objectivism continues to be a subject of debate and analysis throughout the world.

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Reference

• “Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology” – Ayn Rand and Leonard Peikoff (1979)
• “A Companion to Ayn ​​Rand” – Allan Gotthelf and Gregory Salmieri (2016)
• “Ayn Rand and Contemporary Business Ethics” – Edward W. Younkins (2011)
• “The Cambridge Companion to Ayn ​​Rand” – Gregory Bassham and Eric M. Rasmussen (2016)
• “Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand” – Leonard Peikoff (1991)

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