trc@houti.UUCP (T.CRAVER) (08/24/83)
Response to Charles Perkins: Charles: I wont bother with the first half of your note, since, as you say, you seem to be "being silly". I probably should also disregard the second half on that basis as well, but here goes: You state "A Wise Saying is that you can tell a tree by its fruit. On that basis I must say that Objectivism seems much farther from good living that is altruism. I'd rather meet an altruist any day of the week." Exactly what "fruit" are you refering to? Perhaps rationality? Human rights to life, freedom, property, or pursuit of happiness? The belief that reality is real? Perhaps capitalism? The concept of a government of law (a republic) rather than a government of majority whim (democracy) or individual whim (dictatorship)? The idea of basing morality on reality, rather than some mystical beliefs? Perhaps some of Ayn Rand's contributions to philosophy, such as exposing the "stolen concept fallacy" of arguments? Or perhaps Dr. Leonard Piekoff's explanation of why Hitler could come to power (something that most historians have been unable to explain satisfactorily). Perhaps you dislike Objectivist art? Have you actually seen some of it? Or perhaps you disagree with Ayn Rand's explanation that art is a concrete representation of metaphysics, that "brings man's concepts to the perceptual level of his consciousness and allows him to grasp them directly, as if they were percepts". (A.Rand) Or is it simply that you don't have a clear idea of what Objectivism is about? Tom Craver houti!trc