Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (Ayn Rand Library)

by Leonard Peikoff

Book Overview

This brilliantly conceived and organized book is based on a lecture course given by Dr. Leonard Peikoff in 1976, entitled "The Philosophy of Objectivism." The lectures were attended by Ayn Rand, who... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452011019
• Release Date: December 1993
• Publisher: Meridian
• Length: 493 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Logical explanation of Objectivism

Reviews of this book seem to be divided into two camps; those who agree with Objectivism give it high marks while those who disagree denounce it. Whether one agrees with Objectivism or not, however, Leonard Peikoff's explanation of Rand's system is clear and penetrating. It starts from fundamentals and works up logically, so that, even in areas where one may disagree with Peikoff, one always knows his (and Rand's) stand on a given philosophic issue. The book has the added value of being written for laymen in philosophy (as opposed to academics), and is therefore accessible to anyone with an active mind and an interest in the subject matter.

The best selling book on Ayn Rand's philosophy

Rands philosophical ideas are spread through hundreds of fiction and non-fiction works, radio addresses, taped and untaped lectures, seminars, and discussions. Until the publication of Peikoff's magnum opus *Objectivism*, there was no single book, the interested student of philosophy could turn to, that presented Rand's philosophy as a single integrated whole. Thanks to Dr. Peikoff this is no longer the case.Leonard Peikoff's *Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand* covers every philosophical topic that Ayn Rand held as important--from the objectivity of concepts and the metaphysical nature of man, to the virtue of selfishness and the purpose of art, this book covers it--and more. It is clear (Peikoff is a lucid writer), organized (the book presents Rand's philosophy from the ground up, thus showing how her philosophical statement that capitalism is the moral system is inseperably tied to the metaphysical observation that A is A), and tightly written (Peikoff focuses only on essentials).If you ever had any questions on the philosophy that Ayn Rand presented in her novels, or on the subject of philosophy in general (college students take note), this book has the answers you are looking for.

A clear and and systematic presentation of Objectivism

Capitalism cannot be defended without a philosophic foundation; it is impossible to argue that the free market is moral unless we know what morality is and how it can be derived. And to know that, we have to know the fundamental nature of man and of the world in which he lives. This book provides that foundation. It is the only definitive, all-in-one-place statement of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. It presents, clearly and systematically, her revolutionary philosophic defense of objective reality, reason, and individualism.

A masterpiece of a rational, life/man-loving philosophy

Mr. Peikoff has cogently assembled all the principles of Objectivism into a hierarchical, systematic, lucid, comprehensive system of ideas-that system being the philosophy of Ayn Rand: Objectivism. After reading this book you will know how to think clearly in terms of principles, axioms, logic, etc., and you will understand Ayn Rand's philosophy completely, and more so when and if you read her works. The reason why I love this book and Objectivism as a philosophy is because it is true, and that it is the only philosophy in existence which basically says, in a nutshell: that man's life is the standard, or standard of moral value and that happiness is each man's moral obligation and goal, that life is precious, and that it is yours to live it. Have you ever heard or read any other philosophy or religion, such as Christianity or Judaism tell you this? Think about it. The entire philosophy of Objectivism, every 5 branches of it, from metaphysics to esthetics, is devoted to the elaboration and explication of these principles. In other words, the purpose of all philosophy--properly--is to further, sustain, and preserve your life. What else is it or should it be for? Informally, Ayn Rand called her philosophy, "A philosophy for living on earth," but formally called it Objectivism. Anyone who doubts the truth and honesty of this philosophy must either be dishonest, irrational or a collectivist. After all, how can someone deny the truth of 1+1=2 and expect to not have conflict in their lives? Every principle of Objectivism can be proven by logic and reference to the facts and concrete existents in reality. So never mind the smears, misrepresentations and outright lies perpetrated by some against Ayn Rand and Objectivism. The ones that do this have no arguments and in fact present no arguments against Objectivism, which is why they resort to smears. This is indicative and telling only of the person(s) perpetrating the attack (known as ad hominem) rather than the person being attacked in the attack. If you want to seriously know what Objectivism is then read, and more importantly, STUDY AND LEARN it for yourselves, rather than from fourth-hand accounts from people who know little or nothing about it, or from those who are hell-bent on outright lying. And please, don't take my word for it either, since I would be guilty of the same crime as those I have mentioned. This book changed my life because it taught me how to apply abstract principles to innumerable, everyday concrete situations in all areas of life. This is what philosophy is and should be for, and this is why I am giving this book five well-deserved, morally-earned stars. Bravo and cheers to you Mr. Peikoff for giving the world a systematic presentation of a rational, life-giving philosophy!

Objectivism in One Book

In terms of essentials, Dr. Leonard Peikoff systematically covers every aspect of philosophy which Ayn Rand held as vitally important: reality, sense perception and volition, concept-formation, objectivity, reason, man, the good, virtue, happiness, government, capitalism, and art.Whether you agree with him or not, this book will be one of the most thought provoking and enlightening books that you will ever read in your life. Dr. Peikoff is the Michaelango of the philosophy profession, and has painted us an intellectual masterpiece. Or, to quote one reviewer from the Detroit Free Press, "Peikoff is an extraordinary communicator... He brings the most difficult intellectual ideas within the grasp of the general reader... Those who decide to examine Objectivism--with this book as a guide--are in for an awesome intellectual experience."