Ayn Rand

• State

  Laissez faire , free market capitalism with a separation of government from economics

  To protect the freedom of individual to pursue their own goals and achieve their own happiness

  State's role is vital but strictly limited to acting as police , protecting the rights of each individual against criminals and foreign invaders
• Human nature

  • optimistic view of human nature
  • emphasising rational self interest and egoism as the driving forces of human action
  • individuals are capable of achieving greatness through their own efforts and rational thinking
• Human nature: Counterpoints

  1. social liberals: criticise her focus on self interest as morally lacking and detrimental to social cohesion
  2. traditional conservatives: emphasise the importance of community and shared responsibilities over individualism
• Society

  • saw society as a collection of free individuals pursuing their own interests without coercionn
  • believed that individual's freedom should be paramount
  • society should not impose constraints on personal liberty
• Society: Counterpoints

  1. social liberals: advocate for balancing individual rights with social welfare and responsibilities
  2. traditional conservatives: stress the importance of community and shared goals over individual autonomy
• Economy

  • laissez faire capitalism
  • emphasising free markets and minimal regulation
  • believed individual entrepreneurship and competition drive innovation and prosperity
• Economy: Counterpoints

  1. socialists: argue for economic planning and regulation to ensure fairness, equality
  2. Third Way: advocates for a mixed economy balancing free markets with social welfare provisions
• Tradition

  • seen by Rand as an impediment to innovation and individual freedom
  • believed that individuals should be free to challenge and change traditional norms if they hinder personal growth
• Tradition: Counterpoints

  1. traditional conservatives: value tradition as a stabilising force and a guide for moral conduct
  2. authoritarian conservatives: argue for the strict preservation of cultural heritage and traditional values
• Equality

  • believed in equality of rights
  • opposing enforced equality as contrary to human nature and individual achievement
  • emphasised meritocracy and individual responsibility
• Equality: Counterpoints

  1. social democrats: support policies to promote social and economic equality and fairness
  2. liberal feminists: advocates for reducing inequality for women through government intervention and social policies
• Examples:

  • Ronald Reagan's Tax Cuts- cut taxes and reduced government intervention
  • Margaret Thatcher's Privatisation- sold state owned industries to promote free markets