Reviews
Below is a sampling of what intellectuals are saying about Leonard Peikoff’s Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand.
“Until or unless I write a comprehensive treatise on my philosophy, Dr. Peikoff’s course is the only authorized presentation of the entire theoretical structure of Objectivism, i.e., the only one that I know of my own knowledge to be fully accurate.”
Ayn Rand 1
“This is the definitive, systematic statement of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, based on Dr. Peikoff’s thirty years of philosophical discussions with her. All of the key principles of Objectivism — from metaphysics to art — are presented in a logical, hierarchical structure.”
Ayn Rand Institute
Center for the Advancement of Objectivism
“In his treatment of ethics, Peikoff penetrates the most notoriously difficult issue — the foundations of moral authority — with compelling insight. His elucidation of the Objectivist view is at once refreshingly accessible and logically rigorous. Peikoff achieves this rare combination through an unfailingly essentialized approach. Whether considering the objectivity of value, the egoism of justice, the destructiveness of physical aggression, or the nature of genuine happiness, Peikoff’s focus is riveted on what matters, and what matters most, to an issue’s moral status. In the process, he builds an overwhelming case for the practical value of moral virtues.”
Tara Smith, Ph.D.
Professor, Dept. of Philosophy
University of Texas at Austin
“… A revelation… Peikoff is an extraordinary communicator… He brings the most difficult intellectual issues within the grasp of the general reader… Every point flows from and is verified by the ones that precede it; every abstract concept is tied firmly to perceptual reality and illustrated by concrete examples.
“The study of a philosophy is, by its nature, an abstract and difficult undertaking. But those who decide to examine Objectivism — with this book as a guide — are in for an awesome intellectual experience.”
The Detroit Free Press
“For readers looking to understand Ayn Rand’s unique philosophy, Leonard Peikoff’s Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand is the most comprehensive, systematized single account available anywhere. A long-time associate of Rand herself, Peikoff has diligently organized her contributions to the main areas of philosophy and presented them as a system. Peikoff has done a massive service for scholars of Rand’s thought, whose subsequent work have benefitted from this synthesis of Rand’s ideas, both published and communicated directly to Peikoff during the author’s extensive mentoring from Rand herself.”
Eric Daniels, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, The Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism,
Clemson University
“In thirteen succinct chapters Dr. Leonard Peikoff explains why ‘The True is the Whole,’ i.e., how all ideas are integrated. Peikoff’s Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand is not just a great book about Objectivism — it is a fabulous book on philosophy in general. If you read only three books on philosophy in your life, make sure this is one of them.”
The Philosophy Guide
“…required reading for anyone who advocates, and/or seeks to fully understand, the quintessential social system based on individual rights: laissez-faire capitalism.…Whether you agree with him or not, this book will be one of the most thought provoking and enlightening books that you will ever read. Leonard Peikoff is the Michelangelo of the philosophy profession. He has created for us an intellectual masterpiece on Ayn Rand’s philosophy: Objectivism.”
Capitalism Magazine
“After the works of Aristotle, this is the most important non-fiction treatise on philosophy ever written. It corrects 2500 years of philosophical errors. It shows how you can have certainty in the realm of philosophy by starting with axioms (including how to validate axioms). It shows how you can have an objective approach to concept formation, ethics, and politics. For those who want to live successfully on earth and who have the courage and independence to question everything they have been taught and who genuinely want answers backed up by reason, this is the book for you.”
Edwin Locke, Ph.D.
1. OPAR was initially planned as an edited version of a lecture course, “The Philosophy of Objectivism,” which Leonard Peikoff gave in New York City in 1976 (the lectures are available from Second Renaissance Books). The lectures were prepared with some assistance from Miss Rand, who attended all twelve of them and, after most, joined with Dr. Peikoff to answer questions from the audience.