Objectivism

While objectivism is a good idea, there are many flaws to it. There are good sides to objectivism that does have some merit in terms of what an individual might be responsible to do for himself. One positive aspect of objectivism is thinking about one’s self, as in true self reflection. A negative aspect would be neglecting those that need help. Another negative aspect would be that objectivism is very selfish. The theory of objectivism is that an act is moral if it benefits an individual. A positive point of objectivism is that it requires true self reflection. True self reflection would be stopping and thinking about the end result, and how that would benefit one’s self. Thinking about the end result would be like studying for a test. Not studying for a test will not be beneficial. However, studying for the test will be and could impact a person’s grade. Another positive aspect of objectivism is that it encourages good work ethic. A good work ethic would be creating all the ideas that lead to something big, and, in turn, getting all the credit at the end. Take Boeing for example. They want people who can be an individual and not rely on a team or group to get something done. The best feeling is getting all the rewards at the end that come with a good work ethic. Being rewarded and known as a trustable person can advance a person quickly in life. Now, the categorical imperative theorists would argue that objectivism is selfish. They would argue that because objectivists only think about what will benefit themselves. They would say that the selfishness would take away, or deprive charity. Since donating to charity doesn’t directly benefit that one individual, they fill there’s no need for it. This is a negative point because charity really does help a lot of people and families out during tough times. These theorists would also argue that objectivism does not account for any emotional reactions. If a person was an objectivist during Hurricane Katrina, they would just ignore the people on their rooftops calling for help. The objectivist was helped and rescued, so that’s all that matters, according those people. Not caring if someone survives because and you were already rescued is a very bad idea to have instilled in one’s mind. Everyone should be willing to help each other in natural disasters; benefit will come in one way or another. Another negative aspect about objectivism is that the theory of objectivism neglects people. It could cause people with disabilities to be harmed and/or neglected. A utilitarianism theorist would argue that point because if a person is only thinking about themselves, then they will not even bother caring about seeing their dying grandma in the hospital. Seeing their grandma will not benefit them. Seeing her would only cause sorrow, and that’s not beneficial at all. This is bad because individuals will start to forget who was there for them through rough times. They would also start to forget the simple things in life, like family. These theorists would also say that objectivism also causes inequality. To be known in this world, you must have money or fame. So, the big, famous movie stars would never worry about the people sleeping on the streets every night because there is no beneficial factor for the movie star for helping a homeless person. This is a bad idea because there is much benefit in helping someone that isn’t as famous as you. It would even get the movie star more fame and credit for their act. As people can see, objectivism has two sides. There are the good aspects like thinking about how the end result will advance an individual in life. Then there are the bad aspects like neglecting those who need someone the most. Everyone has their own set of morals. It’s up to the individual to figure out if the act will benefit them and others in the long run.