A Look at Immortality: The Objectivist-Extropian Synthesis

My aim here is nothing less than the union of two intellectual worlds.

These two worlds have too often been dubbed by their adherents as mutually exclusive, as a result of certain bilateral misinterpretations among many Objectivists and Extropians/Transhumanists. I shall endeavor here to show how Objectivism, the fundamental ideological system developed by Ayn Rand, and the Principles of Extropy, established by Max More and comprising a prominent part of the body of ideas known as Transhumanism, are compatible with one another and integral to fully achieving each other's goals. In addition, anyone belonging to the libertarian movement at large will find numerous arguments, concepts, and methodologies in both systems to aid the extension of individual liberty in a broad sense.

The Fundamentals of Objectivism

Objectivism is an intellectual system remarkably integrated by lengthy expositions and chains of argument performed by Ayn Rand in her fiction and nonfiction works. Thus, to do it full justice in a brief treatise is, admittedly, impossible. I shall attempt here to present a brief skeletal outline of Objectivism, upon which I shall elaborate as pertains to its relationship with Extropian thought.

Ayn Rand was once asked to explain the fundamentals of her system standing on one foot. Her response was as follows:

"1. Metaphysics: Objective Reality.

2. Epistemology: Reason.

3. Ethics: Self-Interest.

4. Politics: Laissez-Faire Capitalism." (Ayn Rand, Introducing Objectivism, p. 3)