Ayn Rand Philosophy, Objectivism, Science, Self-interest

[NightGizmo]

Thanks for the vids, Wuf. It's been a while since I read Ayn Rand, but I've generally subscribed to her fundamental philosophy since I discovered it in high school. It's good to hear a refresher on her ideas.

[wufwugy]

Thanks for the vids, Wuf. It's been a while since I read Ayn Rand, but I've generally subscribed to her fundamental philosophy since I discovered it in high school. It's good to hear a refresher on her ideas.

Sure. I enjoyed the shit out of the entire interview.

Question: Ayn Rand is often referenced in relation to principles of anarchism, or at least non-intrusion from government into private space. A week ago, you commented on the topic of private roads, saying that you believe they are a bad idea and that government should intervene in this space. If this portrayal is accurate, would you unpack for me how this is consistent with Randian philosophy?

[NightGizmo]

Question: Ayn Rand is often referenced in relation to principles of anarchism, or at least non-intrusion from government into private space. A week ago, you commented on the topic of private roads, saying that you believe they are a bad idea and that government should intervene in this space. If this portrayal is accurate, would you unpack for me how this is consistent with Randian philosophy?

I still strongly believe in the metaphysics and epistemology of her philosophy, but I diverge from her beliefs in other categories. For government, I generally believe that the role of government should be limited, but I also believe that there are some areas that are best handled by a government vs. the markets (healthcare is one example). And I also believe that there are some areas of the markets that need some regulation to protect the public from exploitation, incompetence, or outright theft (e.g. banking, natural monopolies).

So to answer your question -- my viewpoint is not consistent with Randian philosophy.