Ayn Rand
Subtitle: the Russian radical
By: Chris Matthew Sciabarra.
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: University Park, PA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 477
ISBN-13: 9780271014401; 9780271014418
Subjects: Rand, Ayn.; Objectivism (Philosophy); Dialectic.; Philosophers -- Russia.; Philosophers -- United States.
Description: Author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand (1905-1982) is one of the most widely read philosophers of the twentieth century. Yet, despite the sale of nearly thirty million copies of her works, there have been few extended scholarly examinations of her thought. Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical provides the first comprehensive analysis of the intellectual roots and philosophy of this controversial thinker.

Chris Sciabarra views Rand's "Objectivism" as a rejection - and affirmation - of key elements in the Russian tradition. Born in Russia during the Silver Age, Rand was educated at Leningrad University and studied with N. O. Lossky. She absorbed a dialectical method of inquiry that profoundly influenced her literary and philosophic project. Her distinctive libertarian synthesis is presented as a major contribution to radical social theory.

Ultimately, Sciabarra challenges Rand's followers and critics to reassess her thought and its place in intellectual history.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [439]-456) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction.; title: Rand scholarship : problems and perspectives; title: The study in brief; title: Dialectics and dualism; title: Part one : The process of becoming.; title: Synthesis in Russian culture; title: Lossky, the teacher; title: Educating Alissa; title: The maturation of Ayn Rand; title: Part two : The revolt against dualism.; title: Being; title: Knowing; title: Reason and emotion; title: Art, philosophy, and efficacy; title: Ethics and human survival; title: A libertarian politics; title: Part three : The radical Rand.; title: Relations of power; title: The predatory state; title: History and resolution; title: Epilogue