This FAQ is a little different from most. It doesn't tell you where to find books on Objectivism, or where to find electronic discussion groups on the philosophy. There are plenty of other FAQs and resource guides that can provide you with that information.
This FAQ answers a very commonly-asked question; namely what's really wrong with Objectivism. This FAQ will tell you the fundamental cause of the present fragmented state of affairs in the Objectivist movement, and why an attitude of moral condemnation is so prevalent among Objectivists. You will learn why so many sane, intelligent people are turned into dogmatic moralizers who would do credit to the Spanish Inquisition.
The Objectivist movement has split into two separate camps over the principle of moral judgment. A principle is a general truth upon which other truths depend. A difference in principle naturally gives rise to very different answers to questions that derive from the principle (such as the questions of moral judgment, or sanction). Therefore, in addition to the primary question of what is really wrong with Objectivism, I have also addressed the question of sanction, based on my view of the proper principle of moral judgment. My opponents, with a very different view of the principle of moral judgment, obviously would have a very different answer.
Although the question of whether Objectivism is open or closed is not directly related to the principle of moral judgment, I am also including the closure question, since the answer to this question also seems to split along party lines in the same fashion as the question of sanction.
You won't find any criticism of the fundamental principles of Objectivism in this FAQ, because I'm in agreement with these principles. However if you've ever watched Ayn Rand (or one of her followers) tear an opponent or a questioner apart, viciously attacking his character and honesty, then this FAQ offers an answer and an explanation.
The list of talented and respected individuals being purged and expelled from The Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) continues to grow. George Reisman and Edith Packer were shown the door when they criticized some of the management practices at ARI. When Linda Reardan and Jerry Kirkpatrick questioned the expulsion of George and Edith, Linda and Jerry were kicked out too. And when Richard and Genevieve Sanford refused to join the ARI in morally condemning George and Edith, the Sanfords were purged too.
In each case, the expelled individuals made a collection of documents available, defending themselves from the accusations leveled at them by The Ayn Rand Institute. Because of the high level of interest in these document collections, I have made all three collections availble as part of my FAQ on Objectivism
I'm also including an eyewitness report on an incident that seems to typify the character of Leonard Peikoff ("Incident At Lyceum").
I invite and welcome all comments, questions, and criticisms. Permission to reproduce and distribute is freely granted. Feel free to suggest other questions to be included in this FAQ.
Chris Wolf
cwolf41@comcast.net