You were asked to have three points for discussion on Atlas Shrugged. We only managed to scratch the surface during our limited class time. Please share one of your points and opinion on that point, and then feel free to respond to as many posts as you want, but you must respond to at least two of your peers.
DIRECTIONS:
You were asked to have three points for discussion on Atlas Shrugged. We only managed to scratch the surface during our limited class time. Please share one of your points and opinion on that point, and then feel free to respond to as many posts as you want, but you must respond to at least two of your peers.
11 Comments
Kenya Jones
8/31/2016 03:57:15 pm
Why couldn't Eddie Willers let go of the railroad and what does his final scene represent?
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Holmes
9/6/2016 12:46:33 pm
I think that Eddie is in denial as well. His refusal to leave the train and get on the wagon with the others affirms his inability to accept reality. Therefore, I agree that he does not have the strength of character it takes to move on and accept change and reality.
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Jenny Smith
9/8/2016 09:24:48 am
I agree with you. Eddie was blind in that way and couldn't see the world for how it really was. Even when we saw him last, he still didn't understand why no one wanted to stay and wait for someone to fix the train. I agree when you say "His final scene represented the other side to Dagny's decision..." I haven't thought about it like that, but I like it!
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Jordan Zeigler
9/8/2016 05:42:06 pm
Trying this again, hopefully it won't delete itself like last time!
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Jordan Zeigler
9/5/2016 05:51:38 pm
How can Ayn Rand's Objectivist philosophy be applied in different areas of society? How does her philosophy reflect differently in a philosophical or moral perspective versus in a political or economical one?
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Holmes
9/6/2016 01:04:26 pm
I'd like to start off by saying this is a very good topic for discussion. While I do not wholly buy into Rand's theory, I do believe that there are very strong and valid points to it. I agree with being selfish in regard to looking out for yourself and pursuing your goals for yourself, not for others. If others profit by virtue of what you do, and you are accepting of this, then so be it. I also think that it is a person's prerogative to chose to be altruistic or not, but it is not something that should be mandated.I don't think we, as humans, can ever really reach our full potential unless we accept and recognize who we are as individuals. I think there is virtue to some social systems, but unfortunately the ones the United States have attempted to incorporate have been poorly managed. I do not believe in total laissez-faire because I do think there are services (like the FDA) that do try to prevent harmful products from entering our communities. Ayn Rand shows and extreme in Atlas, but an extreme that is frighteningly too close for comfort. Again, the system is flawed.
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Kenya Jones
9/7/2016 03:57:40 pm
I agree with Rand's philosophy on a moral standpoint as well. From my perspective, it depends on your viewpoint on rather or not it is controversial to live for yourself or others. Being selfish and acting out on your selfish desires is surely something many people wish to do but feel ashamed. However, there are some who get the same satisfaction from serving others.
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Jenny Smith
9/8/2016 09:31:06 am
I totally agree with her moral standpoint and also think that more people should live by it. Although, I do believe in helping others, as long as you're doing it for the correct reasons. You shouldn't have to sacrafice your happiness, or success, so others can be happy. I don't fully agree with her philosophy, business-wise, becasue you have to compromise with others and think about the people that you will effect negatively if you make an executive desicion.
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Jenny Smith
9/8/2016 09:47:26 am
Why did Dagny decided to broadcast her affair with Hank with the country listening?
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Jordan Zeigler
9/8/2016 05:34:19 pm
I definitely loved this moment of the book. James and Lillian thought their affair was something they could use to blackmail Dagny and Hank into obeying society, but in the broadcast Dagny essentially refused to be held down by blackmail. Ayn Rand talks about "the guiltless man," and this was talked about when Hank went to trial as well. By owning up to their affair and basically saying "I refuse to apologize for it," James and Lillian's whole plan was shot because Dagny did not adhere to public fear and shame. I thought this showed off Dagny's personal strength really well- if Dagny were weaker she would not have been able to survive the disapproval she would gain. Rand's philosophy is pretty inspiring here, and it shows that your personal strength and self-righteousness can let you rise above public shame or judgement.
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Kenya Jones
9/8/2016 06:25:43 pm
I agree with both of you guys; this was definitely one of the best moments of the book. Throughout the novel, Dagny never fails to take pride in her own desires or attempts to reduce them to shame. If you recall when Rearden and her first hooked up, it was Rearden who didn't acknowledge their relationship with pride; he actually denounced it in a sense.
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