2012/12/01 by Emily J. Barr · 1 citation
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Social Sciences · Business, Management and Accounting · #Ayn Rand and Brontë studies #Environmental, Ecological, and Cultural Studies #Flannery O'Connor and Thomas Merton
paper · doi:10.2307/41717247
openalex publication_date 2012/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Abstract The merit of Ayn Rand's Objectivist philosophy is often based on its economic and social tenets surrounding individual rights. Though she is often neglected by feminists, there is one aspect of Rand's fiction and philosophy that requires feminist attention: her illustration of female sexuality in response to masculinity and hero worship. In The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957), Rand respectively presents her ideal man and the ideal manner in which a woman would respond to such a man. These actions necessarily conflict with what Rand claims is a rational ethical theory and detract from Rand's otherwise gender neutral philosophy.