Rand , along with millions of others, had an opinion and then turn to literature, art, and philosophy to find justification. Yet lesson one in criticality is to approach sources with an open mind, to let them evoke opinions and not simply confirm them. With Rand and other pseudo philosophers by the zillions, her writing is intended to "preach to the choir" and to add a glow of authenticity to naive and narrow prejudices. wc
________________________________ From: Chris Miller <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 8:28:11 AM Subject: Re: Ayn Rand: Chapter 3: Art and a sense of life As I noted, Rand seems less interested in the history of art, than in the 'sense of life' apparent in each work. So she is more interested in how Cubism might reflect a damaged 'sense of life', than in how it might be considered a triumph of innovation. And I realize that this preference was also reflected by Nazi ideology regarding 'decadent art'. But Rand clearly, and repeatedly, places philosophy above 'sense of life', so she has plenty room to separate ideology from rational discourse, and critique themes that present the "strength of the worker, and the beauty of collective life" As should we all, by allowing that an idea is not necessarily bad just because it was exploited by an abhorrent regime. Does Rand preach "an impoverished discourse of elitism" ? That might be relevant to "Atlas Shrugged", but I've yet to find the issue of elitism at all in "The Romantic Manifesto". >All this talk of a 'sense of life' makes me uneasy. It sounds too much like a Weltanschauung, and therefore leaves no room to separate ideology from rational discourse, let alone allow for any form of discussion or debate. In fact, it sounds vaguely fascist (See Klemperer's book, Lingua Tertii Imperii <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingua_Tertii_Imperii>). It strikes me that Rand is less developing an aesthetics, or a theory of criticism, or even a theory of taste, as she is preaching an impoverished discourse of elitism, not unlike the kinds one finds in all totalitarian propoganda. How could this be interesting? How is her 'sense of life' different from the idealised 'sense of life' of socialist realism, of the strength of the worker, and the beauty of collective life? Where is the distinguishing feature between Fascism, Socialism, and Capitalism, according to Rand? (Imago Asthetik) ____________________________________________________________ Shop from a huge selection of custom labels. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/BLSrjnxZ3xvk8rY59UBqGDz3Qizqqs 7iewey4S48BEVIAIOlU5Pls71HWOM/
