Customer Reviews

The Ayn Rand Lexicon: Objectivism from A to Z (Ayn Rand Library)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This work is extraordinarily useful for a person studying Ayn Rand's philosophy. This well organized book offers an explanation of Ayn Rand's crucial concepts, as well as commonly used terms. It also presents, in brief, her views of other schools of thought. One can spend a lot of time simply browsing through the work. "The Ayn Rand Lexicon" displays information by essentials, allowing the reader to understand ideological fundamentals. For example, one can learn that the difference between altruism and egoism is not so superficial as charity, but has far deeper roots. Does man have the right to live for himself, in the pursuit of his own happiness, or must he serve others and their needs? The answer is derived from man's nature and can be found in this proficient reference. This is an excellent first exposure to the philosophy behind Ayn Rand's fiction. One will find her philosophical writings impressively honest. These excerpts are clear and unequivocal, something rarely found today.

Ayn Rand was one of the most original thinkers of the 20th century and a magnificent defender of freedom and capitalism. She was also a prescient critic of a consensus that has since proved harmful and been discarded. This encyclopaedic work provides easy reference to all the key ideas in her extensive writings and the vast range of issues that she dealt with. Approximately 400 entries are arranged alphabetically, making it easy to access her thoughts on many topics of enduring importance.

The lexicon draws on the books Atlas Shrugged, Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, Introduction To Objectivist Epistemology, The New Left, Philosophy: Who Needs It?, The Romantic Manifesto, The Virtue Of Selfishness, We The Living, and The Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff. Other material comes from journals like The Ayn Rand Letter, The Objectivist, The Objectivist Forum and The Objectivist Newsletter.

There is an introduction by Leonard Peikoff and preface by the editor Harry Bingswanger. A Conceptual Index classifies the topics under the headings Philosophy, Psychology, Economics and General. Philosophy is further subdivided into Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics and Aesthetics.

All the relevant matters from the objectivist corpus in the above disciplines and in intellectual history are covered here. The text includes some work by other authors like Peikoff only where it was specifically endorsed by Rand. The entries, from Abortion to Zero, are meticulously cross-referenced.

The Ayn Rand Lexicon is a treasure trove of original thought and information on this most radical of all philosophies devoted to reason, freedom and capitalism. It is a valuable reference work and compelling compendium of Rand's contribution to literature and philosophy.

When I recall Ayn Rand had something unique and cogent to say about some topic, but I can't remember where or her exact formulation, this is where I go to look it up. I find what I'm looking for in seconds. It is one of my most used reference books.

I would recommend this to Ayn Rand admirers, serious philosophy scholars (whether you love Rand or hate her), and anyone looking for some really interesting quotes.

Although the book's own cover suggests that this book is suitable for people who are new to Objectivism as well as long-time devotees, I would recommend this book to the latter more than the former.

As the title of my review suggests, the book is an excellent reference guide to Objectivist writings. However, the material provided is made up of quotes from other sources, rather than being an actual summary of Objectivist thought on the particular subject at hand. I mostly use my copy for quickly finding pithy quotes to use in papers or articles, or as a way to find where the original full-length essays are located if I can't immediately recall. Thus, it's my opinon that it is best used as an index to your pre-existing library of Objectivist books.

The book also suffers a little from its age, as it is limited almost exclusively to Ayn Rand's own writings. A second edition including material from newer Objectivist thinkers, such as Tibor Machan, would be both a benefit to Objectivists and serve to diffuse those critics who claim that the philosophy is the exclusive toy of Ayn Rand.

If you're like me, then you are interested in Ayn Rand's philosophy, but not a full-blown Objectivist. This book presents a wide array of commentary by Ayn Rand for hundreds of different topics. It should be known that you can view all the material in this book (with certain exceptions) at [...]for free (and legally). I got this book so I could read the entries while I wasn't on the computer.

The main thing that is wrong with this book is that it contains commentary from a jackass named Leonard Peikhoff, the founder of the Ayn Rand Institute. He has been known to be an idiot and deviate from original, Objectivist philosophy. Other than that, this book is fantastic!

The book is filled with definitions, and quotations in context, on a wide array of topics.

Students of Objectivism will find most of the concepts from Rand's non-fiction books distilled and indexed alphabetically.

This book is a must-have if you take reality, reason, and your life seriously.

The Lexicon is the most comprehensive source of Rand writings and ideas. However, it is not all inclusive: she has spoken about parenting, child-rearing, and children. One example is a radio interview that she did discussing romantic literature which led to a discussion on children and parenting. Also, look at "Objectivist Epistimology" where she discusses how a child develops cognitively (which would have connections with raising a child).

Most people do not know Ayn Rand's ideas. The Ayn Rand Lexicon provides a way to quickly discover what Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism says about various philosophic issues. The references cited in the book can guide further research.

I often find myself frustrated by topics not included in this compilation. Still, I've used and enjoyed it for the better part of 10 years. It's been a great source of quotation, a way to get the undiluted "Objectivist perspective" quickly, and it's organization is commendable. If you've ever read Rand, you'll know what to expect in terms of the theme of the entries (they explain and promote Rand's principals). If you are new to Rand, this gives a great overview of a lot of topics, however I'm not sure that it is the best place to start simply because it isn't a single coherent narrative, but rather a reference book.

Having read all of Any Rand's work, and even took a few courses on Objectivism, I found this volume an excellent guide to the basic philosophical principles of Ayn Rand's Objectivism. As a individual who does not believe in ANY DOGMA, including Objectivism, I found this lexicon educational and informative. It helped to clarify numerous areas as it relates to the philosophy of Objectivism. This book is for anyone who is interested in Objectivism and is seeking a clairification on certain topics as they relate to Rand's philosophy. I personally do not believe ANY ONE PHILOSOPHY has all the answers; however, there are many areas in which the philosophy of Objectivism is right on target. One, the fact that collectivism and all its various forms (Communism, Socialism, Nazism, big government etc)are evil. Two, Capitalism is the best economic system, but it does need some over sight because of abuses by criminals. Three, Individualism is superior to any form of collectivism etc).

In conclusion, whether you are an Ayn Rand follower or not, this is an excellent research tool.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Never Trust a Politician).