Defenders of Ayn Rand, Onkar Ghate and Ben Bayer, challenge Jordan Peterson's critique of Rand's philosophy. They analyze Ayn Rand's characters in 'Atlas Shrugged', the concept of self-interest and responsibility, the relationship between the free market and axiomatic primacy, the clash between Greek rationality and Christianity in science, the limitations of Rand's work, and the essence of life in Rand's worldview.
Jordan Peterson misrepresents Ayn Rand's philosophy, ignoring her clear definition of self-interest.
Peterson misunderstands the mechanisms promoting trust in the free market.
Peterson's criticism of Ayn Rand's characters as flat and lacking depth overlooks their complex struggles and pursuit of values.
Deep dives
Jordan Peterson's Misrepresentation of Ayn Rand's Philosophy
Jordan Peterson misrepresents Ayn Rand's philosophy, stating that her arguments are based on straw man misrepresentations. However, Peterson's view of self-interest is flawed and oversimplified. He criticizes Rand for not defining self-interest, but she actually offers a clear definition in her works. Peterson also claims that Rand's characters lack depth, comparing them to characters in Louis L'Amour novels. However, this ignores the psychological and philosophical conflicts that Rand's characters face. Peterson's assessment of Rand's work as shallow and not literature is unfounded and demonstrates a shallow reading of her works.
Peterson's Misunderstanding of the Free Market
Peterson misunderstands the free market, claiming that proponents of the free market have not addressed the issue of trust when pursuing self-interest. He fails to recognize the mechanisms and incentives within the free market that promote trust, such as reviews and reputation systems. Peterson's assertion that science stems from Judeo-Christian axioms is historically inaccurate. Science originated in ancient Greece before the rise of Christianity, with the Greeks discovering the importance of causality and rational thinking. His characterization of Ayn Rand's philosophy as religiously influenced is misguided and shows a lack of understanding of her ideas.
Misinterpretation of Characters in Rand's Novels
Peterson's criticism of Ayn Rand's characterizations as flat and lacking depth is a shallow reading of her works. He compares her characters to the heroes in Louis L'Amour novels, but fails to acknowledge the psychological and philosophical conflicts they face. Rand's characters, such as Hank Rearden and Dagny Taggart, confront complex moral and metaphysical dilemmas, challenging conventional thinking. Peterson's assessment of Rand's work as superficial overlooks the depth and nuance present in her novels.
Flawed Views on Family and Responsibility
Peterson's view on family and responsibility reflects a conservative perspective that undermines individual achievement and freedom. He suggests that familial obligations should be unconditional, failing to recognize the importance of evaluation and chosen obligations within a family. Peterson's emphasis on sacrificing the self and renouncing individuality is inconsistent with Rand's philosophy, which promotes the pursuit of self-interest and happiness within the context of rational values. His characterization of Rand's characters as lacking depth due to their focus on happiness and achievement is a misinterpretation of their complex struggles and pursuit of values.
Inaccurate Comparison to Dostoevsky
Peterson's comparison of Ayn Rand's works to Dostoevsky is misguided, as their themes and philosophies differ significantly. While Dostoevsky focuses on suffering and struggle, Rand's novels emphasize the pursuit of values, happiness, and achievement. Peterson's claim that Rand's characters lack emotional depth disregards the psychological conflicts they face and their passionate pursuit of values. His assertion that Rand's works are not literature is a shallow assessment that fails to recognize the philosophical and psychological depth present in her novels.
In this special episode of New Ideal Live, Onkar Ghate and Ben Bayer offer the Ayn Rand Institute’s response to Jordan Peterson’s recent attack on Ayn Rand on his podcast of November 16, 2023.
Among the topics covered:
Peterson’s recent anti-Enlightenment conservative activism;
Why Rand’s view of self-interest is not hedonistic but values-based;
How Peterson argues for collectivism from the non-existence of an enduring self;
How Peterson sells collectivism by packaging sacrifice with individual responsibility;
Peterson’s impoverished view of the free market (and of science);
His shallow reading of Rand’s characters as shallow.
Mentioned in this podcast and relevant to the discussion was Atlas Shrugged, free copies of which readers can order here.
The podcast was recorded on November 17, 2023. Listen to the discussion below. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Watch archived podcasts here.
https://youtu.be/cuBp4i3HB_0
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