Questionaire for a potential follower of Ayn Rand and Objectivism

 To determine if someone could become a follower and/or admirer of Ayn Rand and Objectivism, a questionnaire would likely include questions that assess their understanding and agreement with the fundamental principles of Objectivism. These questions would focus on reason, reality, individualism, and the rejection of altruism and collectivism. Below are some examples of questions that could be included:

1. Do you believe that reason rather than mysticism or emotions is man's only means of knowledge and guide to action? [1][5]
2. Do you accept the primacy of existence, meaning that reality exists independent of consciousness? [1][3]
3. Do you agree that individual rights, such as life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness, are derived from reality and reason and are absolutes? [5][6]
4. Do you believe that capitalism is the only moral social and economic system because it is based on individual rights and voluntary exchange? [5][6]
5. Do you reject the morality of altruism, which demands self-sacrifice for others, and instead embrace rational self-interest as the proper moral code? [1][5]
6. Do you agree that independence, integrity, honesty, justice, productiveness, and pride are essential virtues for a rational being? [1][5]
7. Do you believe that the initiation of physical force is evil and that the role of government should be limited to protecting individual rights? [5][6]
8. Do you accept that emotions are not a means of knowledge or guide to action, and that reason must have primacy over emotionalism? [1][3]
9. Do you agree that art serves as a concretization of metaphysical values and that esthetic value is objective? [1][5]
10. Do you reject collectivism, statism, and mysticism in favor of individualism, limited government, and rationality? [5][6]

These questions aim to evaluate whether an individual aligns with the core tenets of Objectivism and is willing to embrace its principles as a guide for their life and actions. Agreement with these ideas would indicate a strong potential to become a follower and/or admirer of Ayn Rand and Objectivism. [1][5][6]

Sources

1 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

text, pages 1-164...View more

2 the Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand

pages 1-151...View more

3 the Romantic Manifesto by Ayn Rand

pages 1-199...View more

4 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

pages 1-192...View more

5 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger

text, pages 1-535...View more

6 Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand

In addition:

Philosophical Alignment

1. Individualism:
   • Do you believe that the individual is the primary unit of moral and political concern, rather than groups or society as a whole?
2. Rationality:
   • Do you think that human beings should act only on the basis of reason, not emotion or faith?
3. Self-Interest:
   • Is acting in one's own rational self-interest morally right, and should it be the guiding principle in ethical decisions?
4. Laissez-Faire Capitalism:
   • Do you support a free-market economy where government intervention is limited to protecting individual rights, such as property rights?
5. Objective Reality:
   • Do you accept that reality exists independently of consciousness, meaning there is an objective truth?

Ethical Considerations

1. Moral Code:
   • Do you agree that a person's moral code should be based on rational self-interest rather than altruism or sacrificing for others?
2. Rights and Responsibilities:
   • Should individual rights be absolute, with the government's role strictly limited to protecting these rights?
3. Virtue of Productivity:
   • Do you consider productivity and achievement to be virtues that contribute to one's self-worth and happiness?

Practical Application

1. Charity and Altruism:
   • Is voluntary charity acceptable, but mandatory altruism or government-driven redistribution of wealth morally wrong?
2. Art and Beauty:
   • Do you believe that art should reflect objective standards of beauty and truth, rather than be purely subjective?
3. Personal Freedom:
   • How important is personal freedom to you in terms of making your own life choices without interference from others or the state?

Self-Assessment

1. Reaction to Collectivism:
   • How do you feel about collectivist ideologies like socialism or communism? Do they seem appealing or threatening to your values?
2. Literature Influence:
   • Have you read Ayn Rand's novels like "Atlas Shrugged" or "The Fountainhead"? If so, how did they influence your views?
3. Conflict Resolution:
   • In conflicts between individual rights and collective good, which do you prioritize?

Final Questions

1. Life Goals:
   • Are your life goals primarily focused on personal achievement and living by your own standards rather than societal or communal expectations?
2. Philosophical Commitment:
   • Would you be willing to challenge conventional moral standards if they conflict with your understanding of objective truth and rationality?

This questionnaire would help someone reflect on how their beliefs align with Objectivism's core tenets. It's important to note that fully agreeing with all these points might not make one an Objectivist, as the philosophy requires deep understanding and integration of these principles into one's life. However, it can serve as an initial self-assessment tool.

Finally:

Further Philosophical Inquiry

1. Role of Government:
   • Should the government have any role beyond protecting individual rights (e.g., no welfare, education, or public health programs)?
2. Moral Objectivity:
   • Do you believe that moral values are objective and can be discovered through reason, or are they subjective and culturally determined?
3. Human Nature:
   • Do you view humans as inherently rational beings, or do you see emotion or irrationality as fundamental aspects of human nature?
   • 
     

Ethical Dilemmas

1. Justice and Punishment:
   • Should justice be retributive, focusing on punishment proportional to the crime, rather than rehabilitative/restorative?
2. Sacrifice:
   • Is any form of sacrifice by an individual for the benefit of another morally wrong if it goes against one's self-interest?
3. Altruism vs. Egoism:
   • Is altruism, in its traditional sense of personal sacrifice, a moral failing in your view, or can it have any positive aspects?
   • 
     

Social and Political Views

1. Regulation of Business:
   • How do you feel about government regulations on businesses - are they necessary for some level of order, or do they infringe on individual rights?
2. Intellectual Property:
   • Do you believe that intellectual property rights are crucial for promoting innovation and should be strongly protected?
3. Equality and Merit:
   • Should society be structured to reward merit and achievement rather than striving for equality of outcome?
   • 
     

Personal Reflection

1. Hero Worship:
   • Do you find yourself admiring individuals who exemplify independence, integrity, and creativity over those who follow or lead collective movements?
2. Response to Criticism:
   • How do you handle criticism of your beliefs or actions? Do you see it as an opportunity to refine your thinking, or do you staunchly defend your views?
3. Life's Purpose:
   • Do you believe that the purpose of life is to pursue one's own happiness, achieved through rational self-interest, productivity, and achievement?
   • 
     

Hypothetical Scenarios

1. Emergency Situations:
   • In an emergency where you could save others by risking your life, would you act, and why? What would be your primary motivation?
2. Wealth Distribution:
   • If you had the power to redistribute wealth, would you do so, and under what conditions, if any?
   • 
     
   • These questions delve deeper into the nuances of Objectivism, challenging respondents to consider how they would apply these principles in various aspects of life, politics, and ethics. Remember, the goal isn't just to agree with these statements but to engage with the philosophy critically and personally.