postmodernism and pragmatism are both assaults on reason and reality

 First, nihilism and fatalism.

 Both nihilism and fatalism represent profound threats to the rational, purposeful life that is the ideal for human beings.

Nihilism, which denies any inherent meaning, value, or purpose in existence, leads to a mindset that rejects the importance of reason and the pursuit of values. This perspective nullifies the concept of objective reality and the necessity of rational thought. When one embraces nihilism, it undermines one's ability to act purposefully and achieve self-esteem, resulting in a state of intellectual and moral decay. This destructive mentality is fundamentally opposed to the Objectivist view that life is to be lived with rational purpose and that values are objective and essential for a fulfilling existence [1][5].

Fatalism, which asserts that all events are predetermined and that human beings have no control over their destinies, negates the essential Objectivist principle of free will. Rand argues that man is a volitional being, capable of making choices and directing his life through rational thought. By accepting fatalism, one relinquishes personal responsibility and the efficacy of one's mind, leading to passivity and resignation. This belief in the inevitability of events strips individuals of their sense of agency and the motivation to achieve their values through purposeful action [4][6].

Both nihilism and fatalism erode an individual's capacity to live a rational and fulfilling life. Nihilism dismisses the objective reality and the necessity of rational self-interest, leading to a life devoid of meaning and agency. Fatalism denies the power of individual choice and the importance of personal responsibility, fostering a sense of helplessness and surrender. Together, these ideologies represent a rejection of the very principles that Objectivism upholds—reason, reality, and the pursuit of one's own happiness [3][5].

In summary, nihilism and fatalism lead to a destructive mindset that is antithetical to the values of Objectivism. They undermine the individual's ability to live a rational, purposeful, and self-sustaining life, ultimately leading to intellectual and moral disintegration [1][5].

Sources

1 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

2 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

3 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

4 the Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand

5 the Voice of Reason by Ayn Rand, with additional essays by Leonard Peikoff

6 Understanding Objectivism by Leonard Peikoff. Edited by Michael S. Berliner

Now, postmodernism and pragmatism:

Postmodernism and pragmatism, when examined through the lens of Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, reveal philosophical underpinnings that can lead to nihilistic and fatalistic thinking.

Postmodernism is characterized by its rejection of objective reality, absolute truths, and universal values. It embraces relativism and skepticism, arguing that knowledge and truth are constructed by social and linguistic contexts rather than discovered. This denial of objective reality and reason aligns closely with nihilism, as it undermines the basis for any objective meaning or value in life. By rejecting the existence of an objective reality, postmodernism leads individuals to a state where they see life as inherently meaningless and devoid of purpose, fostering a nihilistic mindset [1][3].

Pragmatism, on the other hand, emphasizes practical consequences and utility over absolute principles or truths. It posits that the truth of an idea is determined by its practical effects and usefulness rather than its correspondence to objective reality. While pragmatism might seem more grounded than postmodernism, it ultimately subordinates reason and objective principles to subjective and situational utility. This can lead to a form of intellectual and moral relativism, where the lack of steadfast principles results in a sense of futility and unpredictability in human action. This can contribute to fatalistic thinking, where individuals feel that their actions lack consistent, objective grounding and that they have no real control over their outcomes [2][5].

In the context of Objectivism, both postmodernism and pragmatism undermine the essential principles of reason and objective reality. Postmodernism's rejection of absolute truths and objective values aligns with nihilism, leading to a life devoid of meaning and purpose. Pragmatism's focus on practical consequences over objective principles can foster a sense of unpredictability and helplessness, contributing to fatalistic attitudes. Both philosophies, by rejecting the primacy of reason and objective reality, pave the way for nihilistic and fatalistic thinking, which are fundamentally opposed to the values of Objectivism [1][3][5].

Sources

1 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

2 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

3 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

4 the Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand

5 the Romantic Manifesto by Ayn Rand

6 the Voice of Reason by Ayn Rand, with additional essays by Leonard Peikoff