1. Background and Philosophy of Ayn Rand

2. Birth and Death Born in St. Petersburg, Russia on February 2, 1905 Died in New York City on March 6, 1982

3. An Eventful Life Lived in Russia until late 1925 Why do we think this may be important to know about her and her influences? Any important historical events?

4. The Rise of Communism She witnessed the Kerensky Revolution and the Bolshevik Revolution during World War I Her father’s pharmacy was seized and she began to envision America as a model nation

5. Her Escape She entered the State Institute for Cinema Arts in 1924 (movies were here first passion) In 1925, she obtained permission to leave the USSR for a visit to relatives in the US and she never planned on going back

6. Career As A Writer She was originally a screenwriter Wrote her first novel in 1933, wasn’t published until 1936 and received poor reviews Anthem was published in 1937, first in England

7. Everyone take a deep breath. Don’t freak out.

8. Philosophy of Ayn Rand She named her philosophy Objectivism Objectivism, as she defined it, was a philosophy for living on earth

9. Objectivism is… a system of thought that defines the abstract principles a man must act and think if he is to live a proper life

10. Group Work Time

11. 1.Metaphysics Objective Reality Not easily defined A branch of philosophy that tries to describe the nature of being and the world “Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed”

12. Objectivism rejects the supernatural and focuses on the real and reality

13. 2. Epistemology Reason A branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and limits of knowledge “You can’t eat your cake and have it too.”

14. Objectivism rejects mysticism and skepticism Mysticism- acceptance of faith or feeling as a means of knowledge Skepticism- certainty or knowledge is impossible

15. 3. Human Nature Man is a rational being and the only way we get knowledge is through reason Man’s reason is at his own discretion- it depends on the individuals choice

16. Objectivism rejects determinism Determinism- man is powerless to greater forces (God, fate, economic conditions, etc)

17. 4. Ethics Self-Interest A man must work for his own self-interest Every man is an end in himself, not just a means to an end

18. Objectivism rejects altruism Altruism- morality consists in living for others

19. 5. Politics Capitalism- the emphasis on individual rights Men must deal with others as traders (non- violence) Only self-defense is ok

20. Objectivism rejects collectivism Collectivism- fascism or socialism

21. 6. Esthetics Art for arts sake The purpose of art is to represent the ideal Ayn Rand’s works project the ideal man