Philosophy
Who Needs It
by Ayn Rand · first published 1982
67% recommend17% neutral17% critical
This collection of essays was the last work planned by Ayn Rand before her death in 1982. In it, she summarizes her view of philosophy and deals with a broad spectrum of topics. According to Ayn Rand, the choice we make is not whether to have a philosophy, but which one to have: rational, conscious, and therefore practical; or contradictory, unidentified, and ultimately lethal. Written with all the clarity and eloquence that have placed Ayn Rand's Objectivist philosophy in the mainstream of American thought, these essays range over such basic issues as education, morality, censorship, and infl
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…an explicit policy or devious strategy but implicit outcome of govt funded science performed by real human beings who respond to incentives. Read Ayn Rand's "The Establishing of an Establishment" in "Philosophy:Who Needs It" for a good explanation of the process. The politicization of science is destroying the credibility of science which should come as no surprise. NB: Before anyone jumps to conclusions; not…
on “For Some, Scientists Aren't the Authority on Science” ↗"The Virtue of Selfishness" "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal" "Philosophy: Who Needs It" "Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology" All by Ayn Rand. Whether you end up agreeing with her or not, she will definitely will make you think.
on “Ask HN: Best Philosophical Books?” ↗…then to say "see, even science supports our positions" and to use that to advance political goals with a rigged system. This is what Ayn Rand called "The Establishing of an Establishment" in her book "Philosophy: Who Needs It" which you should read if your question is honest. That said, I think there is certainly some anti-intellectualism on the Right and behind Trump's success (no surprise). However, I don't…
on “Donald Trump’s Contract with the American Voter [pdf]” ↗…have to be omniscient. We can still know many things, and we can have certainty that we're right about those things. To do so, we need a philosophical foundation for knowledge. See "Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand", by Leonard Peikoff, chapters 1-5. You can get it in most bookstores and libraries. P.S. Decartes was wrong. This book explains why in a straightforward and undeniable manner.
on “Parish priest argues rationally for shoplifting” ↗…that is relevant to our discussion--not something to do with property. (Granted, some libertarians would argue, incorrectly, that property is fundamental.) For a full explanation, see "Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand" by Leonard Peikoff.
on “Dissolve the SEC” ↗I would recommend Rand's Philosophy: Who Needs It then Peikoff's Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand. The Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology (ITOE) is good but is a bit technical and not everyone has the interest and motivation…
on “Review: Ayn Rand’s ‘Ideal’ Presents a Protagonist Familiar in Her Superiority” ↗…with her. Academia simply dismisses her. However, her ideas are becoming harder to ignore - they are important! Highly recommend reading at least Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, and Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand. Then pick up Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, Virtue of Selfishness, Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, and the recently released Understanding Objectivism . UO is very good (it's useful/personal,…
on “The Criminalization of Everyday Life” ↗…will do. In a more rational culture you would have been given much more guidance before being pushed out of the nest but the problem is still yours to solve. I recommend two books to read by Ayn Rand; Philosophy Who Needs It and The Virtue of Selfishness. My recommendation is not so much about her philosophy but about learning to think philosophically about your life.
on “Why am I here?” ↗One of the best articles on Economics is Ayn Rand's "Egalitarianism and Inflation" in her anthology "Philosophy: Who Needs it".
on “Ask HN: What are the must-read books about economics/finance?” ↗…Moreover, to counter the onslaught of anti-selfishness in the culture and lay down a path to being integrated in mind/body and thought/action you should read Ayn Rand's "The Virtue of Selfishness" and "Philosophy:Who Needs It".
on “How can one become obsessed with anything?” ↗…interested in ideas, in how we know things, and how ideas can impact the degree to which we flourish in life, I will suggest two books to you that made a lot of sense to me. https://www.amazon.com/Objectivism-Philosophy-Ayn-Rand-Libra... https://www.amazon.com/How-Know-Epistemology-Objectivist-Fou...
…school/work/career/family path but now that you are presumably older, wiser and more mature things have changed so figure it out. [1] More theory but also relevant to your question and very practical, Ayn Rand's "Philosophy:Who Needs It" and "The Virtue of Selfishness."
on “Ask HN: How can a person be less theoretical and more practical?” ↗cf.;Philosophy: Who Needs It. By Ayn Rand. http://fare.tunes.org/liberty/library/pwni.html tldr: Everyone needs a rational philosophy.
on “The Fundamental Problem of Philosophy: Its Point [pdf]” ↗…the lake and completely unplug and be alone with your thoughts without interruption for a few days. Become comfortable with your self. Alone. 2) Read Ayn Rand's books "The Virtue of Selfishness" and "Philosophy Who Needs it" and ignore the social pressure to dismiss her out of hand without actually reading what she said. Think for yourself and decide if her ideas are true or false. Ignore everything she wrote…
on “Ask HN: When you feel stuck in life” ↗Here is one answer. "This collection of essays was the last work planned by Ayn Rand before her death in 1982. In it, she summarizes her view of philosophy and deals with a broad spectrum of topics. According to Ayn Rand, the choice we make is not whether to have a philosophy, but which one to have: rational, conscious, and therefore practical; or contradictory,…
on “Why philosophy is so important in science education” ↗