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" This idea seems counterintuitive to many; numerous art critics, collectors, viewers, and even Rand (see below) consider abstract art to be art, based on the metaphysical emotions it re-creates. Rand's Objectivist philosophy does not completely accept emotions as having an existence independent of a subject, and therefore her view on non-representational art is at least consistent with Objectivist metaphysics. However, it seems that her definition of art as it pertains to music is incompatible with her dismissal of non-representational art, since she states that music re-creates reality by sound waves evoking metaphysical emotions (Rand, Vis Arts 109). It may be argued that her view of music is consistent with Objectivism if the music is combined with lyrics; however, Rand appears to be unclear on this point.
Rand's view that work of art must be judged by an "objective, rational standard" (Rand, Vis Arts 109) is consistent with Objectivism. However, it is inconsistent with many prevailing notions that the value of a work of art changes based on the beholder's opinions, which are subject to cultural norms, among other influences (Kreiner 9).
In conclusion, in this paper I have described Ayn Rand's life and...
The critique has focused on Objectivism's views of art. The critique argues that Objectivism's definition of art excludes all abstract art, which is not only a counterintuitive view, but also may be inconsistent with Objectivism.
Works Cited
"Ayn Rand." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 5 Feb. 2011.
Heller, Anne C. Ayn Rand and the World She Made. New York: Doubleday, 2009. Print.
Kreiner, Leslie Elizabeth. "Toward a Definition of Art." Art Education.46. 3 (1993): 7-11.
Web. 6 Feb. 2011.
Matson, Wallace. "Rand on Concepts." The Philosophic Thought of Ayn Rand. Ed. Douglas J.
Den Uyl and Douglas B. Rasmussen. Urbana and Chicago: The University of Illinois
Press, 1984. 21-37. Print.
Mayhew, Robert. Ayn Rand and Song of Russia. Oxford: Scarecrow Press, 2005. Print.
Rand, Ayn. "Modern Art." Ayn Rand Lexicon. Ayn Rand Foundation, 2011. Web. 6 Feb.
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Rand, Ayn. "Objectivism vs. Conservatism." Objectively Speaking. Ed. Marlene Podritske
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Works Cited
"Ayn Rand." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 5 Feb. 2011.
Heller, Anne C. Ayn Rand and the World She Made. New York: Doubleday, 2009. Print.
Kreiner, Leslie Elizabeth. "Toward a Definition of Art." Art Education.46. 3 (1993): 7-11.
Web. 6 Feb. 2011.
Thereafter, she published her own work and lectured on the Objectivist moral ethic to which she often referred to as "a philosophy for living on earth" based on rational self-interest and the balance between the needs of the individual and moral principles based on a commitment to objective situational perception and analysis (Merrill, 1998). In principle, Objectivism maintains that self-interest or rational egoism is a valid perspective but that the individual's
Ayn Rand, "Antitrust: The Rule Unreason" alleged purpose Antitrust laws protect competition; purpose-based socialistic fallacy a free, unregulated market inevitably lead establishment coercive monopolies. Remarks on Causation and Liability This reading discusses the relationship between conduct and result. This mainly refers to an injury afflicted to a person because of negligence by another person. The writer specifies that an individual should be compensated for any injury they suffer that is directly
Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand The Rationalization and Pursuit of Self-interest of Humanity in "The Virtue of Selfishness" by Ayn Rand Ayn Rand's collection of essays in the book "The Virtue of Selfishness" provides insightful thoughts about the emergence of rationalization and individualism within the individual. The author discusses how the dawn of humankind had already seen the emergence of individualism and rationalization. It is only in the process of
Anthem, the author Ayn Rand once again examines the conflict between the individual and society. The story occurs in a fictional location and society where the individual possess no rights. It is the responsibility of the individual to serve the state and any form of independent thinking or action is strictly prohibited. Against this background, the hero of the story, Equality 7-2521, emerges as an intelligent young man who
It is this attitude that places Roark upon the road of discover that leads to himself and his inner drive to create beauty. From Rand's book, it becomes clear that she is presenting her philosophy of objectivism. It is a philosophy that promotes the spirit of individualism rather than the collective; and of the pursued of happiness for the individual in question. According to William Thomas, however, this is not
Atlas Shrugged What is the Moratorium on Brains? Is there a similar moratorium currently? In the novel Atlas Shrugged, author Ayn Rand discusses a dystopian condition which she calls the "moratorium on brains." By this, Rand refers to the death of individualism and individual thought. Instead of supporting unique thinking and the power of invention, the corruption of the government and the social hierarchy in its entirety has changed the national landscape.