Objectivist vs. Realist

Attribute	Objectivist	Realist
Epistemology	Believes in objective reality and reason as the means of knowledge	Believes in the existence of an objective reality independent of human perception
Morality	Advocates for rational self-interest and individual rights	Believes in moral absolutes and objective moral values
Metaphysics	Believes in the existence of an objective reality that can be known through reason	Believes in the existence of an external reality that exists independently of human perception
Politics	Advocates for laissez-faire capitalism and limited government intervention	Believes in the importance of maintaining order and stability in society

Introduction

Objectivism and Realism are two philosophical schools of thought that have distinct differences in their beliefs and principles. While both philosophies aim to understand the nature of reality and human existence, they approach these questions from different perspectives. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Objectivism and Realism and compare their key differences.

Objectivist Philosophy

Objectivism is a philosophical system developed by Ayn Rand that emphasizes the importance of reason, individualism, and self-interest. Objectivists believe that reality exists independent of human consciousness and that reason is the only means of understanding it. According to Objectivism, individuals should pursue their own happiness and self-interest as the highest moral purpose. Objectivists reject altruism and collectivism, advocating for rational self-interest as the guiding principle of human behavior.

Realist Philosophy

Realism, on the other hand, is a philosophical perspective that focuses on the objective reality of the external world. Realists believe that reality exists independently of human perception and that our knowledge of the world is based on empirical evidence and observation. Realists emphasize the importance of facts, evidence, and logic in understanding the world around us. Unlike Objectivists, Realists do not prioritize individual self-interest but instead seek to understand the objective truth of reality.

Epistemology

One of the key differences between Objectivism and Realism lies in their epistemological beliefs. Objectivists argue that reason is the only means of acquiring knowledge and understanding reality. They reject faith, emotion, and mysticism as valid sources of knowledge, emphasizing the importance of logic and rationality. In contrast, Realists believe that knowledge is derived from empirical evidence and observation of the external world. They prioritize facts and evidence over abstract reasoning and subjective experiences.

Morality

Another important distinction between Objectivism and Realism is their views on morality. Objectivists advocate for rational self-interest as the foundation of morality, arguing that individuals should pursue their own happiness and well-being as the highest moral purpose. They reject altruism and self-sacrifice, believing that individuals should prioritize their own interests above all else. Realists, on the other hand, do not prescribe a specific moral code but instead focus on understanding the objective reality of the world. They do not prioritize individual self-interest but instead seek to understand the ethical implications of their actions based on empirical evidence and logical reasoning.

Metaphysics

Metaphysics is another area where Objectivism and Realism diverge in their beliefs. Objectivists argue that reality exists independently of human consciousness and that the external world is objective and knowable. They reject the idea of subjective reality or relativism, emphasizing the importance of objective truth and rationality. Realists, on the other hand, also believe in the objective reality of the external world but do not necessarily prioritize rationality as the sole means of understanding it. They focus on empirical evidence and observation as the basis for their metaphysical beliefs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Objectivism and Realism are two distinct philosophical schools of thought that have different perspectives on reality, knowledge, morality, and metaphysics. Objectivism emphasizes reason, individualism, and self-interest as the guiding principles of human existence, while Realism focuses on the objective reality of the external world and the importance of empirical evidence and observation. Both philosophies offer valuable insights into the nature of reality and human existence, but they approach these questions from different angles. By understanding the attributes of Objectivism and Realism, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of philosophical thought and the complexity of human experience.