Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with AynRand

Atlas Scowled Mightily

killdevil — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:06:31 -0800

What single book presents the most forceful argument against both Randian Objectivism and the libertarian political philosophy that presents itself (in some ways, at least) as having followed naturally from Rand's ideas? A friend of mine has just soldiered his way through Atlas Shrugged and would like to read something else as a counterpoint to Rand. Somewhat offhandedly, he mentioned the Communist Manifesto, but I don't think that's particularly apt. Ideas?

Ethics for the Selfish?

agentofselection — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:13:10 -0800

What's an easy-to-read introduction to ethics? My friend wants to learn about ethics. I've taken a course on it in undergrad, but I'm by no means qualified to give him a solid basis in it. Do you know of a book (preferably not a full-sized textbook) which will give an introduction to the theory of ethics and some major schools of thought (i.e. Kant, Hume, Aristotle, whomever else you think is important?)
The friend in question is a businessman, and is into self-interest and capitalism. He is also, however, familiar enough with evolutionary theory to understand inclusive fitness. What he's probably going to be attempting to construct is a personal ethical framework that will tell him how selfish he ought to be (like utilitarianism, but with bigger coefficients for himself and the people he cares about.)
Nonetheless, He'd like to start off with a good solid across-the-board introduction. Ideas?

Image of Vault Boy Spoofing Ayn Rand?

brownpau — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:21:11 -0800

Does anyone remember a short comic parody of objectivism using an archetypal 1950s character in the style of "Vault Boy" from Fallout? I think the cartoon was called "Atlas Shrugged in Three Easy Steps" or something along those lines, and ended with two men locked in hand to hand combat. Assorted searches have yielded only frustration, but I know I saw a link to the image somewhere here on Metafilter.

I shot John Galt

atchafalaya — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:45:04 -0800

What book is the opposite of Atlas Shrugged? A friend is reading Atlas Shrugged. I couldn't put my finger on why Ayn Rand's stuff makes me uncomfortable, but I told her I'd try to find something that showed the other side. Now I'm at a loss. Help!