A Critique of Ayn Rand's Theory of Rights

Abstract

This paper presents a critique of Ayn Rand's Objectivist theory of rights. The critique focuses on three specific issues: first, the relationship between rights as liberties and rights and claims; second, the Objectivist claim that the mind is the ultimate source of all values and its relation to the justification of property rights; and third, the nature and justification within Objectivism of the non-aggression principle. My conclusion is that Rand's theory of rights fails to provide a solid grounding for the libertarian (or pro-capitalist) conclusions she seeks to draw from it.

Keywords: Ayn Rand, rights, libertarianism, natural rights, Objectivism