While Ayn Rand has helped many like myself come to atheism, she actually was not logical according to philosophers,I understand.What philosophical faults does one find in her philosophy?I find that that she ,at least unknowingly, plagiarized ["Atheism ,Ayn Rand and other Heresies"] She took the notion of parasites from Herbert Spencer.She valued reason,but she inspired a cult.Her staunch individualism is not warranted as the social contract should be used to help us all.

Ayn Rand -bane of logic?

While Ayn Rand has helped many like myself come to atheism, she actually was not logical according to philosophers,I understand.What philosophical faults does one find in her philosophy?I find that that she ,at least unknowingly, plagiarized [“Atheism ,Ayn Rand and other Heresies”] She took the notion of parasites from Herbert Spencer.She valued reason,but she inspired a cult.Her staunch individualism is not warranted as the social contract should be used to help us all.

I too read her in college and shortly thereafter and really found meaning in it up to a point.  The total individualistic nature of her philosophy is one of the turnoffs for me, but the aspect of seeking excellence and creation of value still rings true for me today.  Her books (by that I mean Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged) also showed the danger of being “average” and settling for the status quo, views I still hold to this day and attributes I have tried to impress upon my children.

Personally, my quest to atheism/secular humanism from christian mythology began with some research to find more about the book ‘Emotional Intelligence’ before I read it.

I never got around to read EI but I came across a recommendation to read Nathaniel Branden’s work instead, especially the book, ‘Honor the Self’ and loved it. It had a huge affect on me personally.

Learning more about Mr. Branden of course meant coming face to face with Ms. Rand but when I tried to read both Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, I couldn’t get past Chapter Two. It just didn’t have the same ring with me.

I think that she had a great impact in helping people to take their eyes and hopes off of a god and onto themselves instead.

[quote author=“alexdiaz”]I think that she had a great impact in helping people to take their eyes and hopes off of a god and onto themselves instead.

Well, if she helps people take their eyes off god and onto the world and their place in it, that is to the good. However I do recall finding her support of egotism problematic.

:D   See what Dr. Albert Ellis has to say about Rand in his books on toleration and self-esteem. He puts religion in a proper perspective on them. There probaly is no god is my strong atheist position. :idea:  :?: