What is wrong with Ayn Rand's Objectivism?

Answer 1

Nothing is wrong with Objectivism. It is a philosophy based on facts, including those facts of human consciousness. It is an integrated system of ideas without contradictions. The serious study of this philosophy with an active and honest mind will prove just that.

Nothing is wrong with Objectivism except that is will reinforce "selfishness" and "looking out for number one" philosophy. Allan Greenspan will probably tell you that should not take Objectivism seriously. He ascribed to this philosophy until the USA Econonomic Crash of 2008. He since has had a change of direction.

Technically, nothing is objectively wrong with Ayn Rand's Objectivism. There are subjective criticisms that may not follow using objectivist logic.

Objectivism borrows Nietzsche's idea of a superman or ideal man and woman. The talented are expected to be treated differently than the mediocre, and the mediocre are expected to appreciate the talented.

Objectivism views altruism as immoral, thus putting it at odds with many other philosophies, particularly most major religions which at least pay lip service to the idea of altruism.

Objectivism is subtly misogynstic. The ideal woman is expected to worship the ideal man and sacrifice themselves to the ideal, whereas the ideal man is expected to achieve great things in their own capitalistic self-interest. There is lesser expectation or encouragement for the woman to achieve great things in her own self-interest.

Some make take issue with Objectivism's view of love in general. A man is expected to forcefully take possession of a woman. People are to be loved for their ideals, counter to natural human behaviour in this area. The generalized behaviour of society is said to be more ruled by emotions and animal instinct and is thus viewed as shameful. The philosophy introduces shame into the natural order of things.

Objectivism holds no value for other value systems. It considers itself the highest ideal, and does not self-correct very well, viewing its own systems to be infallible. Although it is designed to be self-improving, it does not consider the very idea that some of its premises may be wrong! It dismisses those with valid criticisms as 'Ellsworth Tooheys', mistaking dissent for untruthfulness.

Objectivism ultimately promotes victimization on multiple levels. For the talented, objectivism promotes the idea that other people are fools for not realizing the talents of these people, thus making these great men victims of a society that seeks to destroy them and what they stand for. For untalented people, it shows them that they will be unable to ever reach the heights of Ayn Rand's god-like ideal, and should thus instead serve the ideal. This makes them victims of the Objectivist upper-class, who reap the benefits of the lower-class efforts.

Answer 2

Critics of Ayn Rand's Objectivism argue that it promotes selfishness and an extreme focus on individualism, which can lead to a lack of empathy and disregard for the needs of others. Additionally, Objectivism's emphasis on rational self-interest can be perceived as lacking nuance in addressing complex societal issues.