2019 Year 12 IB Extended Essays

Ayn Rand’s Objectivism and John Rawls’ Theory of Justice

gmb730

see this through it often acting as a moderator for morality. Through Rawls theory on

social justice, Rawls also provides social activists with a well-grounded philosophy on

which to base their ideology. 23 The legal systems of 21 st century nation states are clearly

influenced by John Rawls and hence provide a sound argument for the adoption of

Rawls’ Theory of Justice.

Evaluation of Ayn Rand’s Objectivism and John Rawls’ Theory of Justice

Ayn Rand’s theory of Objectivism will be superseded by John Rawls’ social justice

theory. It is clear that post World War II, Rand’s Objectivism theory would have been

very applicable. However, it’s strong appeal to the western world, particularly the USA

may be a direct result of the Cold War rather than its social justice appeal. Laissez-faire

capitalism has thrived, however due to discontent with the lack of social equality,

welfare and most of the wealth in the world being held by the top 1% in the world it

had its problems.

Rawls’ theory of justice provides an ethically just solution to this issue. Rawls’

philosophies directly oppose those of Ayn Rand by suggesting that everyone be given

a set of inalienable rights and liberties. Nation states are currently making this transition

between the Neo-Liberal Objectivism that Rand puts forward and Rawls’ Theory of

Justice. The evidence eludes to the social contract proposed by Rand may no longer be

applicable in a world consumed with identity politics and global interconnectedness.

23 Foss, J., 2016. The Heritage Foundation. [Online]

12