Objectivism is the philosophy of reason

In summary, Objectivism is a philosophy that emphasizes reason and includes metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and politics. It states that reality exists independently of human feelings and that reason is the only means of perceiving reality and achieving knowledge. It also promotes the idea that individuals are ends in themselves and should pursue their own rational self-interest and happiness. The ideal political system according to Objectivism is laissez-faire capitalism, where individuals engage in voluntary exchange for mutual benefit and the government only acts as a protector of rights.
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readaynrand
Objectivism deserves its own thread.

For those of you who don't yet know, Objectivism is the philosophy of reason, and it includes metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and politics. If one recognizes the supremacy of reason and applies it consistently, the following follows:

Metaphysics: Reality exists as an objective absolute—facts are facts, independent of man’s feelings, wishes, hopes or fears.

Epistemology: Reason (the faculty which identifies and integrates the material provided by man’s senses) is man's only means of perceiving reality, his only source of knowledge, his only guide to action, and his basic means of survival.

Ethics: Man—every man—is an end in himself, not the means to the ends of others. He must exist for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself. The pursuit of his own rational self-interest and of his own happiness is the highest moral purpose of his life.

Politics: The ideal political-economic system is laissez-faire capitalism. It is a system where men deal with one another, not as victims and executioners, nor as masters and slaves, but as traders, by free, voluntary exchange to mutual benefit. It is a system where no man may obtain any values from others by resorting to physical force, and no man may initiate the use of physical force against others. The government acts only as a policeman that protects man’s rights; it uses physical force only in retaliation and only against those who initiate its use, such as criminals or foreign invaders. In a system of full capitalism, there should be (but, historically, has not yet been) a complete separation of state and economics, in the same way and for the same reasons as the separation of state and church.
 
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1. What is Objectivism?

Objectivism is a philosophical system created by Ayn Rand that emphasizes the importance of reason in guiding human actions and understanding the world. It holds that reality is objective and knowable, and that individuals should pursue their own rational self-interest as the ultimate moral purpose.

2. How does Objectivism view reason?

Objectivism sees reason as the primary means of understanding reality and making rational decisions. It holds that reason is the only reliable tool for gaining knowledge and that emotions and faith should not be relied upon as guides for action.

3. What are the key principles of Objectivism?

The key principles of Objectivism include the belief in objective reality, reason as the primary means of gaining knowledge, individualism, and the pursuit of rational self-interest. It also emphasizes the importance of personal rights, capitalism, and a rejection of altruism and collectivism.

4. How does Objectivism differ from other philosophies?

Objectivism differs from other philosophies in its emphasis on reason as the sole means of acquiring knowledge and its rejection of any form of mysticism or supernatural beliefs. It also places a strong emphasis on individualism and the pursuit of self-interest, rather than self-sacrifice for the collective good.

5. How does Objectivism apply to everyday life?

Objectivism can be applied to everyday life by using reason to guide decision-making and actions, valuing one's own rational self-interest, and recognizing and respecting the rights of others. It can also be seen in the pursuit of personal goals and the recognition of the objective reality of the world around us.

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