Is Ayn Rand's Philosophy Feasible in the Real World?

Greetings, fellow explorers of philosophical thought! If you've stumbled upon this article, congrats—you might be one of the few who actually engage with Ayn Rand's ideas! While her philosophy often receives criticism, it's essential to critically examine her insights to determine their feasibility in real-world contexts. This article delves into the core principles of Ayn Rand's philosophy and evaluates them against practical scenarios.

Understanding Ayn Rand's Philosophy

Often, Rand's philosophy is dismissed by "ahem snooty philosophers", but we must recognize that some of her reasoning is valid and deserves more serious consideration. Particularly, let's focus on her ethical theories and the critiques she presents.

Key Concepts and Critiques

Ethical Egoism

One of the most fundamental ideas proposed by Ayn Rand is ethical egoism. This ethical theory posits that any action motivated by self-interest is ethically justifiable as long as it does not harm others. In essence, ethical egoism suggests that our motivations and actions are inherently self-directed and self-preserving. We cultivate friendships, purchase goods, and adhere to societal norms because these actions benefit us in some way. The question is: where is the flaw in this line of reasoning?

Despite philosophical advancements, the concept of self-interest as a guiding principle remains robust. In numerous academic and societal contexts, including the fields of economics and psychology, the self-serving nature of human behavior is evident. For example, in the context of friendship, we value and maintain relationships because they provide us with emotional support, social status, and practical benefits. Purchases are made based on perceived personal value or utility. Even the ethical frameworks we follow often reflect our self-interest, whether it's screenwriters' guilds or worker unions, acting in the collective interest of their members for personal gain.

Ethical Theories and the Trolley Problem

Another significant contribution of Ayn Rand is her critique of ethical theories. In her essay, The Ethics of Emergencies, Rand introduced the trolley problem—an influential thought experiment in ethics. Imagine a trolley racing down a track, with five people tied to the rails in front of it, and you can switch the trolley to another track where one person is tied. In such a scenario, the group often debates the concept of sacrificing one life to save five. However, Rand argue that such hypotheticals are far removed from real-life situations of moral consequence.

Random notes that we often face mundane moral dilemmas, such as deciding whether to give money to a poor person we pass on the street. These everyday situations provide a more reliable barometer of our individual morality than abstract hypotheticals like the trolley. For instance, would you give money to a homeless person you see on the street, and if so, why? Is it because of compassion, empathy, a desire for good karma, or does it feel self-serving to help someone in need? Even if the answer is yes, there's no denying that the motivations are diverse and sometimes intertwined.

Practical Application and Incremental Progress

Lastly, we must consider the implementability of Rand's philosophy. In her works, she advocates for the restoration of individual property rights, which she believes is the foundation of a robust capitalist system. While her vision of an all-at-once transformation may seem overly radical, even incremental changes can yield positive results. History has shown that progress in protecting individual property rights has led to various economic booms and reductions in cronyism.

Let's move forward incrementally. By restoring and enhancing property rights, we can pave the way for a more consistent and equitable version of capitalism. By making these changes, we combat cronyism and foster a system where economic opportunities are more fairly distributed. Ayn Rand's philosophy, assessed through a critical lens, offers profound insights and practical solutions for our modern world.

Conclusion

Scrutinizing Ayn Rand's philosophy inspires us to question and reconsider fundamental ethical and moral principles. From the practicality of ethical egoism to the real-life relevance of her critiques, her ideas offer valuable insights. By embracing her philosophy with a critical mind, we can harness its potential to shape a more equitable and prosperous society.