PUBLISHED REVIEWS

R. MAYHEW, CHOICE 37, no. 1 (SEPTEMBER 1999)

"Although the editors of this volume . . . describe the contributors' credentials as 'impressive,' none is a professor of philosophy or has a Ph.D. in philosophy and most have little grasp of the nature and scope of Rand's philosophy.  Many . . . reflect the editors' view that the meanings of the terms 'objectivism' (the name Rand gave to her philosophy) and 'feminism' can be stretched virtually infinitely.  Many contributors fail to examine rigorously Rand's own thought, and instead use their interpretations of a very narrow range of her ideas as springboards into discussions of their own versions of 'feminism.'  In addition, some contributors dispense with philosophical analysis and attempt to psychoanalyze Rand's life and ideas.  The volume deals almost exclusively with Rand's views on women and whether she was a feminist but does little 'rereading' of her metaphysics, epistemology, etc.  For example, the editors provide no discussion of Rand's commitment to objectivity and her denunciation of the idea that people view reality through gender (or racial or cultural) 'lenses.' . . . "  Mayhew concludes his review by not recommending the book for any undergraduate collections.

Humanities - Language & Literature - English & American

Robert Mayhew, Seton Hall University

Click here to view Chris Matthew Sciabarra's response