Objectivism in Ayn Rand´s The Fountainhead

Objectivism is defined as “an ethical theory that moral good is objectively (based on facts rather than feelings or opinions) real or that moral precepts are objectively valid.” (Webster). Demonstrated by Ayn Rand in the book, The Fountainhead, objectivism seems to most, to be morally wrong, and socially impractical, despite seeming to be a stress-free way of life. In The Fountainhead, Howard Roark does not see relationships as necessary, but as a means to an end. For America to be purely objectivist would tear the country apart, in the sense that “normal social relationships” would no longer exist, but hatred and racism would become obsolete. A democratic government would be unable to succeed because no one would look at issues from the perspective of the “common good”, but from the perspective of what benefits the individual. Generally, objectivism contradicts moral and social standards set by time, breaks down relationships, despite having positive effects, and is vividly illustrated by Ayn Rand in her book.

By definition, moral is what is “considered right and good by most people: agreeing with a standard of right behavior” (Webster). Considering that definition, objectivism falls short in many ways. “Man—every man—is an end in himself, not the means to the ends of others. He must exist for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself. The pursuit of his own rational self-interest and of his own happiness is the highest moral purpose of his life.” (Rand ). An “objectivist” would exist for the sole purpose of serving himself, with no regard for the sake of others. “The term "moral rights" is a translation of the French term "droit moral," and refers not to "morals" as advocated by t...

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...ould quickly go under due to the fact that major corporations would only do business among one another, because the sums of money to be made would be much more substantial than anything most small businesses could provide. “The ideal political-economic system is laissez-faire capitalism. It is a system where men deal with one another, not as victims and executioners, nor as masters and slaves, but as traders, by free, voluntary exchange to mutual benefit.” (Rand). However, the major impact would be on the consumer, since big businesses would be the only place to buy from, monopolies would form on goods, and without any competition prices would fluctuate at the leisure of the businessmen, who would be objectivist, and therefore not care about the strain their high prices put on consumers. In theory, objectivism creates a vicious cycle, that is virtually inescapable.