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Atlas Original

Ways of Knowing through the Realms of Meaning

Journal of Applied Research in Education (AERJ)

22 (3) 2009

Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged: A Perspective epistemological, philosophical and comparative treatment based on the theoretical framework of the book Paths to know through the Realms meaningless William Allan Kritsonis, PhD

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ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to show how the writings of Ayn Rand can be understood and developed through the work of Dr. William A. Kritsonis using the means of knowledge by the kingdoms of the Senses. In the literary masterpiece Atlas Shrugged, Ms. Rand provides philosophical perspective alive through the story of its history and life and tragic events encountered by each of his fictional characters. His views on Objectivism, capitalism, and sexuality inherent in man are a few controversial topics discussed in his book and reveals poignantly through the themes and motifs of his stimulating and novel, Atlas Shrugged.

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The First Kingdom: Symbolics

The first kingdom of meaning is symbolic. "These meanings are contained in arbitrary symbolic structures, with the socially accepted rules of formation and transformation, as instruments created for expression and communication of any meaning whatsoever. These symbolic systems are in compliance with the most fundamental of all realms of meaning in the sense they must be used to express the meaning of each of the other kingdoms "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 11).

Atlas Shrugged is full of symbolic communication. Themes, symbols and motifs add intrigue, interest and mystery of the writing of Ayn Rand and accredit its expertise literary and philosophical ideas and beliefs. Symbolism in Atlas Shrugged adds depth and complexity its overall meaning constructs and analytical comments.

One of the first and most obvious symbol of her novel lies in the title, Atlas Shrugged. Atlas, in Greek mythology, held the burden of the sky on his shoulder. For John Galt, and other producers of society, the weight the world has been placed on their shoulders as they bore the responsibility for producing a world-depleting reason, strength and appreciation.

The dollar sign becomes a symbol of the spirit strike, led by John Galt. By symbolically associating with each attacking the dollar sign, the strikers intuitively illustrate their belief in capitalism and capitalist reward. In Atlas Shrugged, there is no shame, weighted by the possession of money. Instead, it is considered fair compensation for productivity and creativity.

Another symbol inherent understanding of the Atlas Shrugged is the bracelet Rearden created using his discovery of new metallurgical. The bracelet is symbolic of Rearden work all his life and his accomplishments. The bracelet is beautiful, but misunderstood by his wife, as development Rearden's new metal created is considered a threat to those who do not like or appreciate the ingenuity, creativity and invention. Despite the resistance that Rearden face his new discovery, the metal, he designed and developed is a beautiful representation beauty practices that can be found of an individual life work and commitment.

Motors have also been symbolic throughout the novel Atlas Shrugged. The engine designed by John Galt had the power to harness energy and provide energy worldwide. Without the automobile, world production would be halted. It is symbolic of the power of the mind and how producers are needed in the world to supply creative thinking and capacity for true thinkers of the world to survive and become active and productive success.

The second area Empirics

"The second area of empirical data, including science of the physical world of living beings, and man. These sciences provide factual descriptions, generalizations, and theoretical formulations and explanations that are based on observation and experimentation in the world of matter, life, mind, and society "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 12).

John Galt: The Physicist

In Atlas Shrugged, "one of the producers, John Galt, a titan among physicists, decides it is time to "Atlas," the men who carried the world on their shoulders to stop support [destroyers] – raise "(Moritz, 1982, p. 234). His knowledge has benefited the looters, those who live outside its own creativity and expertise. In a decision to proliferate strike the mind ", he retires with other" producers "of secret mountain stronghold in Colorado. There they remained until, in their absence, industry and commerce and the collapse of paralyzed collectivist social system "(Moritz, 1982, p. 234). With the collapse of the company formerly known Galt gave a long speech to say the word that the fight is over. "The road is clear. We will return to the world," said Galt, as the elite band re-emerges and raising "his hand on the wasteland …. trace] s [in the space the dollar sign (Moritz, 1982, p. 234).

Biology

Biology is the science of life. For those who believe that man is nothing more than a physical being without a soul or spirit, their findings are in line with Dr. Pritchett, one of the characters in Atlas Shrugged. "Man?" What is man? He comes from a collection of chemicals with delusions of grandeur "(Rand, 1999, p. 131). Those who defend that man is nothing more than a creation metaphysics are less likely to believe in the supremacy of the soul and the virtue of spirituality that requires accountability and surrender a goal in life and style than yourself and being. The comments of Dr. Pritchett continues, "once he [man] realizes that it is irrelevant in the vast system of the universe, he will realize that no significance can be attached to its activities "(Rand, 1999, p. 132).

In Atlas Shrugged, abortion is mentioned as a right of the State. People of the State of Mexico wants to "raise the standard of living and give everyone a pig roast every Sunday for every man, woman, child and abortion in the popular state of Mexico "(Rand, 1999, p. 123). In the first publication of Atlas Shrugged, Abortion is illegal in the United States. The discussion of "the right of a woman" did not fully result in this country until that the decision of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. This is another example of how controversial social issues have been rooted in the writings of Ayn Rand, even before the forum has reached a level of discussion and debate.

Socialism

Socialism is a system "economy in which the government owns some factors of production and has a role in determining how and whose goods are produced "(Clayton, 1995, p. 567). In Atlas Shrugged, socialist ideas began to emerge that threatened capitalist lifestyle. Those who bought into the socialist way of life even those who supported a new government initiative called "equalization of opportunities the bill. "The purpose of this bill was to set limits to capitalist production, thus limiting creative entrepreneurs and capitalists become too powerful or rich.

The "Equalization of Opportunities Bill" also sought to put limits on Release creativity, literary mind. Balph Eubank, a literary leader of his time, was in favor of the "equalization of opportunities Bill "." Certainly, I approve. Our culture has sunk into a bog of materialism. Men have lost all spiritual values in their pursuit of material production and technological trickery … then we must put a limit on their material greed "(Rand, 1999, p. 133). Eubank was prepared to renounce his creative spirit to the state. "This is a very simple work," said Eubank. "There should be a law limiting the sale of a book ten thousand copies … If people were not allowed to buy one million copies of the same piece of garbage, they would have better to buy books "(Rand, 1999, p. 134).

In the United States, citizens are encouraged to improve inventions, creating new horizons and develop new services and products that benefit humanity. Without the profit motive, many of our greatest inventions and achievements might not have been achieved. Rand goes against socialist societies that remove rights for sweetened the benefit of the masses who choose not to produce or create their highest and fullest potential.

Communism

Karl Marx wrote The Communist Manifesto in 1848. He divided society into two groups. The first group was the proletariat. These are people who do not have the means of production, which owed their existence to the second group in society, the bourgeoisie, better known as capitalists. The division of society is analogous to the two major groups with war "in Atlas Shrugged, the Looters and strikers.

The looters are people who did not use their own creativity or power to create wealth. They were totally dependent on creative thinking in the world, which later became known as "strikers of the mind." Strikers were those who created, built and designed the framework of modern society. In Atlas Shrugged when strikers "of the mind" the company left the company as it was known previously collapsed.

States Communism theory that if everyone was equal, everyone would produce the best of their abilities, and everyone consumes the extent of their needs "(Clayton, 1995, p. 476). However, in today's society, communism has proved a dismal failure. In its pure communist, a man or a career woman is chosen for this particular person at a young age. Regardless of their ability or their ambition, there is "equality" of remuneration for all. educators, doctors, lawyers, garbage collectors and street sweepers are all equal. When a person is not challenged on the basis of their own individual talents and creative potential, production will decline. Without hope of achieving meaningful implementation of a life, society itself be reduced to a blind man, the proletariat is charged under repression and shape dictatorial government.

When the government owns the means of production, there is no incentive to creativity. Everything is done in the name of progress. Government leadership, which holds power with an iron hand, prohibits the success to all those who want to succeed or profit outside the veil of public interventions and legal.

Capitalism

Capitalism may be considered as one of the most fundamental disciplines in the social sciences. Capitalism is seen as an exercise virtuous by Rand and many of its main characters in the novel. Atlas Shrugged espouses the virtues and benefits of a pure capitalist society and aims to articulate and pronounce these values succinctly throughout the novel, espousing the virtues of capitalism and the power of the mind.

Paramount to the perfect society John Galt, would exist when producers have been supported is the concept of "free trade and free minds" (Rand, 1999, p. 1067). Rand defines capitalism as "a social system based on the recognition of individual rights, including property rights, in which all property is private property "(Uyl and Rasmussen, 1986, p. 173).

"One of the unique characteristics of the defense Rand capitalism is that it considers neither capitalism as a necessary evil (as do many conservatives), or tries to defend simply in terms of benefits it produces, as do many economists "(Uyl and Rasmussen, 1986, p. 173). Rand sees capitalism morally replacing capitalism, for purely monetary reasons and becomes a mantra in a philosophical way of life that focuses on intelligence, rationality, and reason.

"The moral justification of capitalism does not lie in the altruist claim that it represents the best achieve "the common good" … The moral justification of capitalism lies in the fact that it is the only system consistent with the rational nature of Rights, which protects the survival of man as man, and that his decision is the principle of justice "(Uyl and Rasmussen, 1986, p. 173).

In Atlas Shrugged, John Galt believes that collecting society will include those who are willing to work and enjoy the fruits of their own work. He predicted the disappearance of a system run by looters. In its place, he sees a society that believes in the individual and the contributions that individuals can make to their world and society. not willing to let looters in this new world are not committed to achieve its objectives and philosophical bent, John Galt opens the door to the invitation and hospitality to those who choose to marry the virtues an individualist, capitalist society.

For those who were willing to commit to a cessation of their mentality looting, States Galt, "when looters state collapses, deprived of the extent of his slaves …. we'll open the doors of our city to those who deserve to enter, a town of smokestacks, pipe lines, orchards, markets and houses inviolable … … With the dollar sign as a symbol – the sign of free trade and the free spirit – we are going to get this country once again the Indians who have never discovered the impotence of its nature, its meaning, splendor. Those who choose to join us to join us, those who are not empowered to stop, hordes of Indians have been an obstacle to men who carried the banner of the mind "(Rand, 1999, p. 1067).

"Market behavior can be greatly facilitated by the use of money, which provides a convenient medium of exchange … From the standpoint of understanding and controlling the use of money is of considerable importance because it allows economic activity to measure mathematically. Because the system of money, qualitative preferences can be assessed quantitatively, and the powerful mathematical computing resources can be brought to bear on the study and management of economic processes "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 266).

Symbol John Galt dollar has been a rallying cry for producers to produce and align with the pseudo-religion of wealth and prosperity based on one of individualistic capacity to produce and exercise these activities. For Galt and his supporters, it was a success and the true essence of life.

To recall the value of a company of thought, spoke to John Galt looters regarding what retirement of reason, thought and creativity brought to the world through the spirit of the strikers. "If you want to know what you lost when I quit and when my strikers deserted your world is empty on any section of land in a desert unexplored by men and ask yourself this survival mode, you would achieve and how long would you do if you refused to think, without anyone around to teach you the moves, or, if you choose to think, how your mind would be able to discover …. ask yourself if you would be able to discover how cultivate land and grow your food … then decide whether men of ability are exploiters "(Rand, 1999, pp. 1048-1049).

Feminism

For those who have been led to believe that capitalist society is an unsuitable product, Dagny Taggart has been a symbol of everything wrong with a society based on capitalism and productivity. She was a woman who, for some, had exceeded the limits of acceptability in society that she did not choose to marry or traditional homemaking, which has been such a pillar of most popular houses at the time of the initial drafting of the Atlas Shrugged. Balph Eubank Dagny looked like "a symptom of the disease of our century …. Machines have destroyed the humanity of man … There is an example of it, a woman who runs a railroad, instead of practicing the art of fine craft and have children "(Rand, 1999, p. 138).

Writing Rand, marriage is not a value that is estimated, as evidenced by the marriage of Hank and Lillian Rearden. Lillian despises her husband and his work. Hank only tolerates his wife. It is not until he meets Dagny, he finds someone who will share his love and appreciation for his work and life goals and achievements.

Affairs are not considered inappropriate in the writings of Rand. Fidelity is not considered a virtue. It is not a long term approach of incarceration on marriage and sexual activity. In addition, children were never mentioned in the text of the Atlas Shrugged. Rand Worldwide, where literature really reflects life, children were a burden and therefore something she did not choose to have or to get involved.

The third area: Aesthetics

"The third area, aesthetics, contains the various arts, like music, visual arts, movement arts, and literature "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 12). Seeing the artistic qualities a literary work, the meaning and understanding can be enhanced and deepened to a more intuitive and firmer grasp of specific meanings and nuances of a particular work of literary genius and artistry.

Art

"Ayn Rand concluded that art is a" re-creation of reality according to the judgments of an artist of metaphysical value. By its nature, therefore, a novel (as a statue or a symphony) does not require or tolerate a preface explanatory, it is a universe independent away from comment, inviting the reader to enter, collect, [and] to respond "(Rand, 1999, p. ix).

When Rand talks about a self-created universe, it is mirroring his philosophical point of view of writing. Rand was able to create a reality of his choice through his imagination and creativity parked expressive skills and expertise. She was able to create images through the written word and convey meaning and philosophical content through its own literary and artistic skills.

Music

Dagny Taggart, Richard Halley composer is preferred. It is a masterful musician with a penchant towards writing concertos and operas beautiful. At the age of 24 years, Halley's first opera "Phaeton" was performed. He met with humiliation and the widespread dissemination disfranchisement by professional critics at the opera was booed and heckled by patrons of his first musical first.

On his second debut, years later, he met with the success he had dreamed since his youth. However, shortly after receiving a rave review of the performance of his music, the Halley disappeared. It is another example of a producer to leave the world "to go in the world" perfect "the intellectual elite who retired to a remote location that would be known as John Galt Gulch, a place where men could be productive using their own talents and gifts, which they are for personal enjoyment, development, and reward.

Literature

Atlas Shrugged is a mixture of literary genres and devices that combine a love story fluid and feelings about Ayn Rand's most basic beliefs philosophical. "Atlas Shrugged is more myth than novel. Miss Rand's heroes and heroines who are gorgeous in their strength Leviathan resist the pernicious evil of feeble creatures around them and achieve their goals at will "(Riley, 1975, p. 423).

Reason and rationality are thus the basis for the novel Atlas Shrugged. Before beginning a novel ever, "Ayn Rand wrote in detail in his journals about its theme, plot and characters "(Rand, 1999, ix). In his diary, written for Atlas Shrugged, Rand demonstrated " his mind in action, confident even when groping, Purposeful, even when dead, brilliantly eloquent, even if totally new. These journals are also a fascinating record of the birth, step by step in an immortal work of art '(Rand, 1999, p. ix).

"Core Purpose of Ayn Rand as a novelist was to present not bad, even heroes with errors, but the ideal man-compliant, the integrated whole, the perfect "(Rand, 1999, p. xii). The perfect man is John Galt Atlas Shrugged. He is heroic in nature and a towering figure "who moves the world and the novel" (Rand, 1999, p. xii). Galt is truly a man for all seasons and times, and is essential the history and philosophical views in Atlas Shrugged.

Rand respect to each of the characters of the book in different ways and distinction, and assumes the characteristics for each character involved in the novel. Ideas are personified "for Dagny-l'idÃ©al because Rearden friend, and Francisco d'Anconia-aristocrat James Taggart, the eternal threat, and the professor – his conscience "(Rand, 1999, p. xiii).

Rand's writings gave impetus to the philosophies and goals that have inspired many to take a fresh look at different possibilities and options personal fulfillment and success. Rand recognizes that it seems "to be both a theoretical philosopher and author of fiction" (Rand, 1999, xiv). Rand wrote to the discovery. "For my purpose, non-fiction form of abstract knowledge does not interest me, the final applied form of fiction does. I wonder how I represent a special phenomenon in this regard "(Rand, 1999, xiv). Rand also found it was a bit like his character, John Galt. "It is a combination of an abstract philosopher and inventor practice, thinker and man of action together "(Rand, 1999, xiv).

For Rand, his writing was romantic. In writing, Rand chose to create characters, or "Black or White" in the context of their commitment to their own Moray values, ethics and lifestyles. Therefore, the characters became a version mirror of his own reality and society she perceived it to be.

Fourth Realm: Synnoetics

The fourth kingdom synnoetics. Meanings in the fields synnoetics are subjective (and intersubjective), concrete and existential "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 430). Synnoetics is relational. There are two fundamental concepts this area that provide a deeper understanding of man and his interaction with his world and people who become part of the relational world. "I-It" relationship is how we react to inanimate and worldly events and structures. The "I-Thou relationship is the way we interact and re-act for those around us. Sexuality can be classified as an "I-Thou" phenomenon in the form of relationships and appropriate attributes.

From the Freudian point of view, "the source of instinctual energy (especially the sexual energy or libido) is the id. Id is considered as part of the unconscious, an aspect of personality below the level of consciousness "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 413). Relations Dagny and those she has chosen to commit to below the level of the conscious mind. When, due order, the passionate relationship begun.

In the Atlas shrugged, there are love interests on several occasions the main female the novel, Dagny Taggart. These relationships are each viewed from a different perspective on Dagny work and its relation to each man, she is committed to, even if only for a short period of time.

Lifetime commitments were never part of intimate relationships with suspension Dagny. For most, its relationships are based primarily on common interests and goals, then the romantic passion and desire. His love interest Hank Rearden included John Galt and Francisco d'Anconia.

The fifth Realm: Ethics

Ethics, according to Dr. William A. Kritsonis, is one who "understands meanings that express the moral obligation rather than fact, in the form of perception or awareness of the relationship "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 13). Morality, according to Dr. Kritsonis is simply that "this reflects the inter-subjective understanding. Morality has to do with personal conduct that is based the free, responsible, deliberate decision "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 13).

View Rand morality is vindicated by his interpretation impressive views Galt passionate about the morality expressed in his speech long and complex morals and objectivism. "A rational process is a moral process. You can make a mistake at any stage of it, which did nothing to protect you, but the seriousness of your own, or you can try to cheat, to fake the evidence and form to avoid the effort of the quest, but if the dedication the truth is the hallmark of morality, there is no greater, nobler, more heroic devotion that the act of a man who responsibility of thought "(Rand, 1999, p. 1017).

For John Galt, the reason is the moral basis of all life. "My morality, morality of reason, is contained in a single axiom: existence exists, and in a single choice: to live. To live, man must hold three things as the value Supreme and the decision of his life: Reason-Purpose-esteem. These three values imply and require all human virtues, and all his virtues pertain to the relationship of existence and consciousness: rationality, independence, integrity, honesty, justice, productivity and pride "(Rand, 1999, p. 1018).

Rand does not believe that man has a moral responsibility to his neighbor. This principle Rand's ethical theory appears at first glance, be hard and insensitive. John Galt Rand retired theory of isolation and moralism and see these attributes have been correctly and appropriately in its own worldview. "Do not say that my morality is too hard for you to practice and you fear as you fear the unknown. You kept your worth sacrificing your vices, and the best among men for the worse. This dismal wreckage that is now your world is the physical form of the treason you committed to your values, your friends, your defenders, your future, your country, yourself "(Rand, 1999, p. 1060).

The question could be asked, "When the needs of others supersede her own needs and desires?" According to Rand In his book, The Virtue of Selfishness, there are times when it feels it is acceptable to help others. "Any action that the man undertakes for the benefit of those he loves is not a sacrifice if, in the hierarchy of values in the overall context of choices to him, he realizes what is most personal (and rational) importance to him "(Rand, 1964, p. 51).

Ethical and moral decisions each have their own consequences. Rand also believes that, in all ethical decisions, the ultimate choice of what is good or bad is for the person. It believes that "the moral purpose of life of a man is the realization of his own happiness" (Rand, 1999, p. 55). Selfishness, therefore, remains a strong fundamental principle of the Rand philosophical basis of ethical and moral point of view of society and idyllic life.

Realm sixth: synoptic

Synoptic refers "to meanings which are globally integration "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 13). Synoptic covers the areas of "history, philosophy and religion" (Kritsonis, 2007, p. 13). Understand the field of synoptic sense in these areas allows a continuity of understanding that helps develop a deeper understanding of the work and specifically studied.

History

Historical parallels can be found in the history of Atlas Shrugged and important events in his own history of our country. In 1939, Albert Einstein informed President Franklin D. Roosevelt that the Germans had the makings of an atomic bomb. The first country to develop this method of destruction would be a massive advantage in the context of global domination and power.

Einstein somehow parallel, strikers in mind when he decided to leave Germany and begin her new work in the United States. Like John Galt would not reckless Men reap the benefits or responsibilities of his own creative genius, Einstein did not the Germans, whom he considered a danger and a threat to the world known to have the power of the atomic bomb.

men irresponsible with this unpredictable new form of power could cause serious destruction and chaos in the known world. Einstein knew this and decided to join forces with the United States to give her power and creative genius for a country that is responsible and prudent in dealing with this new form of power and technology.

Another historical parallel can be found if the people of the State of Mexico promises a roast "pork every Sunday" (Rand, 1999, p. 123). This is analogous to the campaign promises of Franklin D. Roosevelt when he suggested that the lack and poverty will soon be a thing of the past. He promised hen "the pot" for all Americans who could believe and support his candidacy for president of the United States of America.

Philosophy

"Analytic philosophy provides information, assessment Synthesis and coordination of all other fields thanks to a conceptual interpretation of reflection of all possible kinds of meaning in their specificity and their interrelations "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 13). Ayn Rand believed that just the renewed interest in morality and goodness. She "has challenged the current philosophy of our time with objectivism, "a morality of rational self-interest" repudiating any form of altruism, including religion, incompatible traps as "collectivist" with a free society "(Moritz, 1982, p. 331).

When writing Atlas Shrugged, "Ayn Rand was to go beyond ethics: it was originally a new system of philosophy, identify the nature of human knowledge and ways of the universe, he seeks to know "(Hull and Peikoff, 1999, p. 290). Ms. bias Rand philosophy is his theory of objectivism. Her philosophy of objectivism is reflected in the pages of the novel Atlas Shrugged. His philosophy is essentially based on selfishness and individuality of the person who chooses to take responsibility for his actions and be responsible for their own point of view of personal happiness and success.

"My philosophy, in essence," Miss Rand said, "is the concept of man as a heroic being with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement his noblest activity and reason as his only guide "(Moritz, 1999, p. 332). Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism states that reality exists as an objective absolute, reason is the only way of man to perceive reality, man is an end in itself, and the ideal political-economic system is laissez-faire capitalism "(Ayn Institute, 1996). John Galt Speech Rand in Atlas Shrugged Rand reflects philosophical Bent to his reasoned position on the objectivity and value of a cohesive society and productive.

Rand's objectivist philosophies

In the novel, Atlas Shrugged, Galt John perception of the world around him conceptualizes Ayn Rand's objectivist views and philosophies. Therefore, it is important to see how his real opinions expressed are reflected in the philosophical writings of fiction of Atlas Shrugged. Each axiom can be seen through the eyes of its creation, the heroic character, John Galt.

Objectivist Axiom # 1: "Reality exists as an objective absolute facts are facts, regardless of human feelings, desires, hopes and fears "(Ayn Rand Institute, 1996). Atlas Shrugged, John Galt States ", the reality is what exists is not the unreal; the unreal is merely that negation of existence which is the content of a human consciousness when it attempts to abandon reason. The truth is the recognition of reality, because the only way of man knowledge, this is his only standard of truth "(Rand, 1999, p. 1017).

Objectivist Axiom # 2: "Man-all man is an end in itself, not the means to the ends of others. It must exist for itself, nor sacrificing others nor sacrificing others to himself. The pursuit of his own rational self-interest and his own happiness is the highest moral purpose of his life "Ayn Rand Institute, 1996). Happiness, therefore, as explained the words of John Galt "is the state of success in life. Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of its values "(Rand, 1999, p. 1014).

Objectivist Axiom # 3: "The political and economic system is ideal laissez-faire capitalism. This is a system where men deal with each other, not as victims and executioners, nor as masters and slaves, but as traders, by Free, the exchange voluntary mutual benefit. In a capitalist system in full, it should (but, historically, has not yet been) a separation complete State and the economy, in the same manner and for the same reasons as the separation of church and state "(Ayn Rand Institute, 1996).

John Galt perception of the ideal political-economic system has seen the ultimate vision of man as which was completely in control of his life and work. He believed that "every man is free to increase the extent it is capable or willing but only the extent to which he thinks determines the degree to which it will place "(Rand, 1999, p. 1064). However, Galt has disdain for those benefiting from the contribution of those who have reached their potential and are at the top of the pyramid intellectual and creative intelligence and knowledge and creative power, and yet do not occur.

"As a proportion of the mental energy he spent, the man who creates a new invention receives but a small percentage of its value in terms of paying for the materials, whatever the fortune he makes, no matter what millions he wins "(Rand, 1999, p. 1066). Therefore, in the spirit of Galt and Rand, there is a disproportionate reward for those who create and those involved simply the intellectual creativity of others.

The motto of the objectivist theory of Galt is located at the end of his infamous speech and revealing that summarizes his views on society, life, objectivism, and the reasons for his departure from the world, even if it is for a short period. "You win when you're ready to take the oath that I took at the beginning of my fight and for those who want to know the day of my return, I will tell you at the hearing of the World: "I swear by my life and my love for her, I never lived in the interest another man, nor ask another man to live for me "(Rand, 1999, p. 1069).

Galt's speech is fully aligned with the philosophy Rand's basic nature and purpose of selfishness in his personal life and business. "Since selfishness is" concern by its own interests, objectivist ethics uses that concept in its exact and purest sense. This is not a concept that we can go the enemies of man, nor unthinking prejudices, distortions, prejudices and fears of ignorance and irrational. Attack cons selfishness is an attack on self-esteem of man "(Rand, 1964, p. xi). This attack against one of self-esteem was not an attack that John Galt has chosen to emerge in his personal life. Therefore, he withdrew in order to obtain supremacy over its own life, thoughts and creative abilities.

views on selfishness and Galt Rand was not something to avoid. Selfishness should be adopted and celebrated. Rand was the attack against the selfishness was "an attack on human self in itself, to give one, is to abandon the other "(Rand, 1964, p. xi). As Galt final interest led him to withdraw of a company he believed was composed of moochers and looters, he shows his full agreement with Rand's moral philosophy and the idea and the practice of selfishness as a virtue to be commended and high in the areas of intellectual honor and esteem.

Galt, although not being a philosopher by profession, influenced his generation by his own philosophy of thought and commitment to his ideas. His contributions outpaced the fact that only a scientist could not be heard. "Perhaps the greatest contribution of the analytic philosophers is their personal testimony the importance of meaning and faith in the possibility of clear meaning "(Kritsonis, 2007, p. 73). Galt contributed, in essence, a new meaning and life through its innovative leadership and objective philosophy and intellectual premises and activities.

Religion

Ayn Rand was an atheist Self-proclaimed. His "God" was a capitalist society where each product from its individualism and creativity. Worshippers of God as the God of Christians, Miss Rand was a portrayal of naivety and a lack of understanding of the fundamental purpose of life.

In the Christian gospel, the value of the individual is paramount. Whether rich or poor, known or hidden in the vastness of the society and its existence, Christianity assumes the value of the individual. God as Creator, the values of the person and offers a buy-back creation to ensure their eternal happiness, reward, and eternal life to those who are insured who believe in Him and trust in His providence and guidance throughout life with the hope of securing a future and destiny in line with God's purposes and design.

For Rand, the individual that does not conform to his idealized version of the romantic life is potentially unworthy of respect or consideration. This view may have influenced his views on abortion and the rights of the unborn child, who at birth are truly "non-producers" and are totally dependent someone else's care, generosity and commitment to Rand, "an embryo has no rights. pertain Rights not a potential for a real being. A child can not acquire rights until it is born "(Hull and Peikoff, 1999, p. See the 337). Rand on abortion is that it is a "moral right to be left to the discretion of the woman in question" (Hull and Peikoff, 1999, p. 337).

It is interesting to note that, in Atlas Shrugged, sexuality is not mentioned as a form of pro-creation, but simply as an act of encounter that does not require the continued commitment and dedication to a relationship that has the ability to transcend time and become an integral part of his whole being and the ultimate legacy of life.

ideology Rand in many ways in direct conflict with Christian values and virtues. wife Christianity the centrality of a Trinity is benevolent and attentive to God heroic figures to the population of humanity. However, Rand was materialistic God. Rand were those who lived for themselves. Dagny Taggart sexuality is in direct contradiction with the teachings of Christian morality and purity. where Christians are exhorted to "die for his" self, encourages the Rand auto-life. "However, Rand's writings give the astute student of philosophy a chance to compare the values of the world and therefore choose for himself his own vision of morality and justice.

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, Atlas Shrugged is a novel based on the importance of rationality and individuality of man and freedom choice. There are ten major issues are addressed in the novel, which lend credence to Rand's philosophical views, including the purpose of life and destiny of man and responsibilities for individual happiness and success. Ten major themes described in Atlas Shrugged include, but are not exclusive: (1) Rand's theory of objectivism (2) capitalism (3) socialism (4) communism (as seen through the division of labor (ie, looters and the strikers of the mind) (5) feminism (6) a woman's right to choose (7) Spirituality rights (8) of human sexuality (9) art in literature and life and (10) historical parallels of Atlas Shrugged with real historical events. Reading Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, readers can get a new appreciation of its literary and philosophical contributions of our society and how including their applications to everyday life and academic studies can improve the search for knowledge in the comprehensive framework of Railways known throughout the Realms of Meaning.

References

Clayton G. (1995). Economy, principles and practices (pp. 476, 567). New York: McGraw Hill.

Hull, G., & Peikoff, L. (1999). The reader Ayn Rand (pp. 290, 337). New York: Penguin Putnam, Incorporated.

Kritsonis, WA (2007). Ways to learn through the realms of meaning (pp. 11, 12, 73,266,413,430). Houston, Texas: National Forum.

Moritz, C. (1982). Current Biography Yearbook (pp. 234,331,332). New York:

The HW Wilson.

Rand, A. (1964). The virtue of selfishness (Pp. 51, 55, XI, XII). New York: Penguin Putnam, Incorporated.

Rand, A. (1996). Ayn Rand Institute to the center of objectivism. Retrieved November 17 May 2006, from aynrand.org

Rand, A. (1999). Atlas Shrugged (pp. IX, XII, XIII, XIV, 55, 123, 131, 132, 133, 134, 138, 1017, 1018, 1048, 1049, 1060, 1064, 1066, 1067, 1069). New York: Penguin Putnam, Incorporated.

Riley, C. (1975). Contemporary literary criticism (P. 423). Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research Company.

Uyl, DJ and DB Rasmussen (1986). The philosophic thought of Ayn Rand (p. 173). Chicago, Illinois: Illini Books.

About the Author

Currently, Dr. Kritsonis is Professor of Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University – Member of the Texas A&M University System. He teaches in the newly established PhD Program in Educational Leadership. Dr. Kritsonis taught the Inaugural class session in the doctoral program at the start of the fall 2004 academic year. In October 2006, Dr. Kritsonis chaired the first doctoral student to earn a PhD in Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University. He lives in Houston, Texas.