Jake wrote:
OK....this is my first post. I've been a member for a while, afraid to post...but, now, it's time. I need help from somebody, especially from someone who knows what they're talking about concerning philosophy.
Currently, I'm reading a book entitled, "The Virtue of Selfishness" by Ayn Rand. The book was given to me to read and digest, but now I have indigestion and I need help getting rid of the burn!!! She's an atheist, an incredibly smart atheist, and she's Aristotelian in logic. Alot of what she asserts makes sense, but this scares me. I'm afraid that my faith has been a bit shaken...but not destroyed. If their is anybody that is familiar with Ayn Rand and her philosophy or even the book I'm reading, I would ask that you please let me know. I have to apologize, because I find it difficult to articulate myself, even in writing, when dealing with philosophers and their philosophy. Rand is an Objectivist thinker...all I'm looking for right now is someone who is familiar with her and her philosophy. Why?! So I can defend myself from Atheistic Objectivist thinkers...if their is someone who knows her philosophy well, then I'd love to talk with you and share with you my struggles and worries concerning what I've read. God Bless!!!
-Jake-
Yes I know Ayn Rand. I've read Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged (very good but must be discerned through a christian lens), Anthem (which is very good short story) and I've studied a bit on here philosophy of Objectivism.
Atlas Shrugged is rated as the second most influential book next to the bible so I do think its good for Catholic apologists to know about it as they will be dealing with so-called Objectivist thinkers as you are.
I'm sorry but I did not find Rand entirely Aristolean in her logic but I think I know a bit where your coming from. The trick of course is discerning good from bad in the philosophical viewpoints. For example in 'Atlas' there is much in regards to her observations on the inroads socialists make using manufactured crisis. Her failure is of course the fact that she has a false view of the human person.
If you have specific examples I may be able to aid you in your debate with ' Objectivist thinkers'. I don't know what aspect is being debated....God/Atheism, radical individualism, politics, economics...etc.
Let me know.
Agomemnon.