Objectivism in Literature & Literary Theory

Objectivism: Etymology/Term, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology/Term:

Objectivism is a philosophical term that originated from the broader concept of “objectivity,” which refers to the idea of an objective reality existing independently of individual perceptions or beliefs. The term “Objectivism” was specifically coined by Ayn Rand, a Russian-American philosopher and novelist, to describe her comprehensive philosophical system.

Meanings:

1. Philosophical System: Objectivism encompasses Ayn Rand’s philosophical system, which includes her views on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics, and aesthetics.
2. Objective Reality: Objectivism asserts the existence of an objective reality, emphasizing that facts are independent of anyone’s subjective interpretation.
3. Reason as the Only Means of Knowledge: Objectivism places a high value on reason as the primary and only reliable means of gaining knowledge about the world.
4. Individualism: Objectivism upholds the importance of individual rights, individual happiness, and the pursuit of one’s own self-interest.
5. Capitalism and Laissez-Faire Capitalism: Objectivism advocates for a political system based on individual rights, including the protection of property rights, and promotes laissez-faire capitalism as the ideal economic system.
6. Ethical Egoism: Objectivism promotes ethical egoism, asserting that individuals should act in their own rational self-interest and pursue their own happiness as the highest moral goal.
7. Artistic Romanticism: Objectivism extends to aesthetics, emphasizing the role of art in portraying an idealized view of life and promoting the celebration of human achievement.

Objectivism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Objectivism, as a theoretical term, refers to the philosophical system developed by Ayn Rand, encompassing her views on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics, and aesthetics. It emphasizes the existence of an objective reality independent of subjective perceptions and asserts reason as the primary means of acquiring knowledge. Objectivism advocates for individual rights, ethical egoism, and a laissez-faire capitalist political system based on the principles of self-interest and individual freedom.

Objectivism: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Ayn Rand (1905-1982): A Russian-American philosopher and novelist, Rand is the founder of Objectivism. Her influential works, such as “Atlas Shrugged” and “The Fountainhead,” lay out the core tenets of Objectivist philosophy.

Works:

1. “Atlas Shrugged” (1957): Ayn Rand’s magnum opus, this novel presents Objectivist ideas in a narrative form, exploring the consequences of a society that abandons individualism and reason.
2. “The Fountainhead” (1943): Another major work by Rand, this novel serves as an introduction to her philosophy, illustrating the life and struggles of an individualistic architect, Howard Roark.

Key Arguments:

1. Metaphysics and Objective Reality: Objectivism argues for the existence of an objective reality, asserting that facts exist independently of individual perceptions and beliefs.
2. Epistemology and Reason: The philosophy places a profound emphasis on reason as the sole means of acquiring knowledge, rejecting mysticism and faith as valid sources of understanding.
3. Ethics and Ethical Egoism: Objectivism advocates for ethical egoism, asserting that individuals should pursue their rational self-interest and happiness as the highest moral purpose.
4. Politics and Individual Rights: Objectivism supports a political system based on the protection of individual rights, including property rights, and advocates for laissez-faire capitalism as the ideal socio-economic structure.
5. Aesthetics and Artistic Romanticism: The philosophy extends to aesthetics, promoting a sense of life and the celebration of human achievement in art, emphasizing the importance of artistic romanticism.

In summary, Objectivism, primarily associated with Ayn Rand, is expounded in key works such as “Atlas Shrugged” and “The Fountainhead.” The philosophy centers on metaphysical objectivity, epistemological reason, ethical egoism, political individualism, and an aesthetic appreciation of human achievement in art.

Objectivism: Major Characteristics

Characteristics	Literary References
1. Individualism	– The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand: Howard Roark’s individualistic pursuit of his architectural vision.
2. Reason as the Sole Means of Knowledge	– Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand: Characters like Dagny Taggart rely on reason to navigate challenges.
3. Ethical Egoism	– Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand: Characters, particularly John Galt, advocate for the pursuit of self-interest.
4. Objective Reality	– Anthem by Ayn Rand: Depicts the discovery of objective truth in a society suppressing independent thinking.
5. Political Individualism and Laissez-Faire Capitalism	– Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand: Explores the consequences of abandoning political individualism and capitalism.
6. Celebration of Human Achievement in Art	– The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand: Portrays the protagonist’s vision in architecture as a celebration of human creativity.

Objectivism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theories	Relevance of Objectivism
1. Formalism	– Objectivism aligns with formalism by emphasizing the importance of the objective reality portrayed in literary works. A focus on the form and structure of literature reflects the precision and clarity emphasized in Objectivism.
2. Reader-Response Theory	– Objectivism invites reader engagement by presenting clear and individualistic ideas, prompting varied responses. The celebration of human achievement in Objectivist literature can evoke diverse reactions from readers.
3. Feminist Literary Criticism	– Objectivism’s portrayal of strong individualistic characters, regardless of gender, may be seen as both supportive and challenging to feminist perspectives. Ayn Rand’s female protagonists, like Dagny Taggart, exhibit strength and independence.
4. Marxist Literary Criticism	– Objectivism contrasts with Marxist perspectives, as it advocates for laissez-faire capitalism and rejects collectivism. Literature influenced by Objectivism may be critiqued for its divergence from Marxist ideals in addressing social structures.
5. Postcolonial Literary Theory	– Objectivism is not inherently tied to postcolonial themes, but its emphasis on individual rights and self-interest can be juxtaposed against postcolonial concerns of collective identity and systemic oppression. Literature may be analyzed for such tensions.
6. Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism	– Objectivism, with its emphasis on reason and individualism, may be contrasted with psychoanalytic theories that explore the subconscious and collective aspects of human experience. Literary characters’ motivations may be interpreted differently.

Objectivism: Application in Critiques

1. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand:
   • Strength of Individualism: The novel epitomizes Objectivism by portraying Howard Roark’s unwavering commitment to individualism. Roark’s refusal to conform to societal expectations and pursue his architectural vision aligns with Objectivist ideals.
   • Celebration of Human Achievement: Objectivism’s emphasis on celebrating human achievement in art is evident in the novel’s portrayal of Roark’s innovative and individualistic architectural designs.
2. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand:
   • Political Individualism and Laissez-Faire Capitalism: The novel serves as a manifesto for Objectivism, illustrating the disastrous consequences of abandoning political individualism and advocating for the virtues of laissez-faire capitalism.
   • Ethical Egoism: Characters like John Galt embody Objectivist principles of ethical egoism, emphasizing the pursuit of rational self-interest as a moral imperative.
3. 1984 by George Orwell:
   • Critique of Collectivism: Objectivism can be applied to critique the collectivist themes in 1984. The novel’s dystopian society, where individualism is suppressed and conformity is enforced, contrasts sharply with Objectivist ideals.
   • Manipulation of Truth: Objectivism’s emphasis on objective reality can be used to analyze how the manipulation of truth in 1984 reflects the dangers of a society where subjective interpretations prevail.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood:
   • Individual Rights and Autonomy: Objectivism can be applied to critique the novel’s dystopian setting, where individual rights, particularly women’s autonomy, are severely restricted. The lack of personal freedom and self-determination goes against Objectivist principles.
   • Totalitarian Control: Objectivism’s critique can extend to the portrayal of a society ruled by religious extremism and totalitarian control, highlighting the dangers of subjugating individual liberties.

In these critiques, the book titles are presented in bold italics without quotation marks for clarity.

Objectivism: Relevant Terms

Theoretical Terms	Brief Definitions
1. Individualism	Emphasizes individual rights and self-interest.
2. Rationalism	Advocates reason as the primary source of knowledge.
3. Ethical Egoism	Belief in acting for one’s own self-interest ethically.
4. Empiricism	Reliance on sensory experience for knowledge.
5. Libertarianism	Advocates for individual liberty and limited government.
6. Laissez-Faire Capitalism	Supports minimal government intervention in the market.
7. Secular Humanism	Emphasizes reason, ethics, and human well-being without religious influence.
8. Cognitive Realism	Belief in an objective reality and accurate cognitive perception.
9. Ayn Rand Objectivism	A philosophy emphasizing reason, individualism, and laissez-faire capitalism.
10. Existentialism	Emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility in creating personal meaning.

Objectivism: Suggested Readings

1. Branden, Nathaniel. The Psychology of Self-Esteem. Nash Publishing, 1969.
2. Hospers, John. Understanding the Arts. Prentice Hall, 2009.
3. Kelley, David. The Evidence of the Senses: A Realist Theory of Perception. Louisiana State University Press, 1986.
4. Rand, Ayn. Atlas Shrugged. Random House, 1957.
5. Rand, Ayn. The Fountainhead. Bobbs-Merrill, 1943.
6. Rand, Ayn. Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand. Edited by Leonard Peikoff, Meridian, 1991.
7. Smith, Tara. Ayn Rand’s Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist. Cambridge University Press, 2006.
8. Salmieri, Gregory, and Allan Gotthelf (editors). A Companion to Ayn Rand. Wiley, 2016.
9. Sciabarra, Chris Matthew. Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical. Pennsylvania State University Press, 1995.
10. Valliant, James S. The Passion of Ayn Rand’s Critics: The Case Against the Brandens. Durban House Publishing, 2005.