Hacker Timesnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

First, "extreme" does not--basically or otherwise--mean the same thing as "pure" or "principled". Not generally, and not specifically in this context. That being said, characterizing the libertarians as extreme anything is, indeed, a generalized attempt to paint with broad strokes of discredit. Better to specifically reason against their ideals.

Second, Ayn Rand and her Objectivist 'principles' are ideological bunk masquerading as rational philosophy. Given your comments further down, in attempting to champion the need for a rational basis for policies, there is much irrationality in Rand's positions and ideology, and her ideas only trend toward sacrificing the many for the needs of the few. This opposes the purpose of civil society, as well as the cause and foundation of justice. Furthermore, we already have enough individualism going around. It has not made the world a better place.



It doesn't appear that you've read her work. Everything you've said about Rand is straightforwardly incorrect. For instance,

> her ideas only trend toward sacrificing the many for the needs of the few

She specifically and clearly explains in her work why that is not the implication of her philosophy, and there is no reason to believe it would be.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: