Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (Ayn Rand Library)

Reviews of this book seem to be divided into two camps; those who agree with Objectivism give it high marks while those who disagree denounce it. Whether one agrees with Objectivism or not, however, Leonard Peikoff's explanation of Rand's system is clear and penetrating. It starts from fundamentals and works up logically, so that, even in areas where one may disagree with Peikoff, one always knows his (and Rand's) stand on a given philosophic issue. The book has the added value of being written for laymen in philosophy (as opposed to academics), and is therefore accessible to anyone with an active mind and an interest in the subject matter.

Rands philosophical ideas are spread through hundreds of fiction and non-fiction works, radio addresses, taped and untaped lectures, seminars, and discussions. Until the publication of Peikoff's magnum opus *Objectivism*, there was no single book, the interested student of philosophy could turn to, that presented Rand's philosophy as a single integrated whole. Thanks to Dr. Peikoff this is no longer the case.Leonard Peikoff's *Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand* covers every philosophical topic that Ayn Rand held as important--from the objectivity of concepts and the metaphysical nature of man, to the virtue of selfishness and the purpose of art, this book covers it--and more. It is clear (Peikoff is a lucid writer), organized (the book presents Rand's philosophy from the ground up, thus showing how her philosophical statement that capitalism is the moral system is inseperably tied to the metaphysical observation that A is A), and tightly written (Peikoff focuses only on essentials).If you ever had any questions on the philosophy that Ayn Rand presented in her novels, or on the subject of philosophy in general (college students take note), this book has the answers you are looking for.

Capitalism cannot be defended without a philosophic foundation; it is impossible to argue that the free market is moral unless we know what morality is and how it can be derived. And to know that, we have to know the fundamental nature of man and of the world in which he lives. This book provides that foundation. It is the only definitive, all-in-one-place statement of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. It presents, clearly and systematically, her revolutionary philosophic defense of objective reality, reason, and individualism.

In terms of essentials, Dr. Leonard Peikoff systematically covers every aspect of philosophy which Ayn Rand held as vitally important: reality, sense perception and volition, concept-formation, objectivity, reason, man, the good, virtue, happiness, government, capitalism, and art.Whether you agree with him or not, this book will be one of the most thought provoking and enlightening books that you will ever read in your life. Dr. Peikoff is the Michaelango of the philosophy profession, and has painted us an intellectual masterpiece. Or, to quote one reviewer from the Detroit Free Press, "Peikoff is an extraordinary communicator... He brings the most difficult intellectual ideas within the grasp of the general reader... Those who decide to examine Objectivism--with this book as a guide--are in for an awesome intellectual experience."