Objectivism is a philosophy introduced by Ayn Rand that is based on a logical process using metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. It holds that objective reality exists independent of consciousness, knowledge is gained through reason using concepts derived from reality, and ethics is based on rational self-interest and the pursuit of one's own happiness. In politics, Objectivism supports capitalism and limited government as the most moral social system that protects individual rights while avoiding the use of force. The philosophy aims to provide a framework for understanding existence and guiding one's choices and actions in life.

1. Objectivism - Philosophy For Life On Earth An Armchair Philosophers Perspective

2. Outline What is Philosophy and why is it important? Introducing Objectivism A Process of Logic Metaphysics Epistemology Ethics Politics Simple Choices

3. “ Philosophy studies the fundamental nature of existence, of man, and of man’s relationship to existence.” Ayn Rand “Philosophy: Who Needs It” What is Philosophy and why is it important? “ The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed the world is ruled by little else. Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from and intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist” John Maynard Keynes Fundamentals "Who sets the tone of a culture? A small handful of men....the philosophers. Others follow their lead either by conviction, or by default." Ayn Rand

4. Introducing Objectivism A Process of Logic Metaphysics – Objective Reality Epistemology – Reason Ethics – Self-Interest Politics – Capitalism Conflicts?

5. Metaphysics Fundamental nature of Reality Axiomatic concepts ‘ Existence’ and ‘Identity’ Consciousness Logic – Non-Contradictory Identification A is A Or, Existence exists Objective Reality “ Nature, to be commanded must be obeyed” “ Existence exists – and the act of grasping that statement implies two corollary axioms: that something exists which one perceives and that one exists possessing consciousness, consciousness being the faculty of perceiving that which exists” ‘ Atlas Shrugged’ Existence vs. Non- Existence

6. Epistemology Literally the study of Knowledge What is Knowledge? How is Knowledge acquired? How do we know what we know? Knowledge is conceptual It’s validity depends on the validity of concepts What do we base our knowledge on? Reality Percept's How do we perceive reality? Cognition & Measurement Existent Identity Unit Concept formation “ Reason integrates man’s perceptions by means of forming abstractions or conceptions, thus raising mans knowledge from the perceptual level, which he shares with (other) animals, to the conceptual level, which he alone can reach. The method which reason employs in this process is called logic – and logic is the art of non-contradictory identification” “ Philosophy: Who Needs It” Reason vs. Faith

7. Ethics What is Morality? “ A code of values to guide man's choices and actions.” What is Ethics? “… as a science , deals with discovering and defining such a code.” Why? Meta-ethics God? Society? What are values? Why does man need them? “’ Value’ is that which one acts to gain and/or keep. The concept value is not a primary; it presupposes an answer to the question: of value to whom and for what ? It presupposes and entity capable of acting to achieve a goal in the face of an alternative. Where no alternative exists, no goals, and no values are possible” “ The Virtue of Selfishness” “ There is only one fundamental alternative in the universe: existence or non existence – and it pertains to a single class of entities: to living organisms. The existence of inanimate matter is unconditional, the existence of life is not: it depends upon a specific course of action. Matter is indestructible, it changes it’s forms but it cannot cease to exist. It is only a living organism that faces a constant alternative: the issue of life or death. Life is a process of self sustaining and self generate action. If an organism fails in that action, it dies; it’s chemical elements remain, but it’s life goes out of existence. It is only the concept of ‘Life’ that makes the concept of ‘value’ possible. It is only to a living entity that things can be good or evil.” “ Atlas Shrugged” Mans life is the standard of all value “ Man is an end in himself” Ethics, epistemologically speaking Pleasure or pain Reason or faith Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime Give a man religion and he will die praying for a fish. Moochers Looters Values – Virtues Reason Rationality Purpose Productiveness Self-esteem Pride Happiness or suffering “ Achieving life is not the equivalent of avoiding death” Long-term rational self interest. What of love? “ To love is to value” What are Rights? Mans life is an end in itself Rights are the means of recognising that unavoidable fact in mans dealings with each other. Rational self-interest vs. Altruism

8. Politics “ If physical force is to be barred from social relationships, men need an institution charged with the task of protecting their rights under an objective code of rules. This is the task of a government—of a proper government—its basic task, its only moral justification and the reason why men do need a government. A government is the means of placing the retaliatory use of physical force under objective control —i.e., under objectively defined laws. “ The Virtue of Selfishness” Capitalism vs. Collectivism

9. Simple Choices Existence vs. Non Existence Reason vs. Faith Rational Self-Interest vs. Altruism Capitalism vs. Collectivism

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