Robert Reich and Ayn Rand= Term Paper

..and the profound contempt for man's nature is obvious." Therefore, man should not embrace values others than he has decided for himself. In terms of the relation with the community, this should be the result of the peaceful and moral coexistence between the individuals which are al driven by their rationale choices.

The philosophical perspectives of both Reich and Rand also consider the very essence of human nature and the role state has from this perspective. However, taking into account the differing points-of-view, Reich and Rand attribute different interpretations on these two points.

Reich has a more communitarian oriented perspective on the nature of man. From his writings, it can be concluded that in his view, the human being is good in nature, with moral values and an interest for its fellows' well-being. However, the changing society and the new accent placed on the continuous desire for "rich to become richer and the poor to become poorer" has transformed the individual who lost his interest for the development of the community rather than that of the individual. In this sense, he appeals to the core values of the being which could redirect the actions undergone at the level of the society towards a more equal transformation of the social environment. His opinion regarding the role of the state is in direct connection with this assessment is He drifts away from the traditional point-of-view due to the rather significant importance he gives to the support of the state for the population. Hallowell considers that "the government that governs least, governs best," while Reich views the interventionist and protection measures taken by the state are essential for the reestablishment of the equilibrium between the rich and the poor in the sense that the poor must be helped, through any means possible to reach a prosperous life.

On the contrary, Rand denies the state the direct right to intervene in shaping the activity of the individual.Indeed, she does consider man as a moral individual, based on core values intrinsic to the human being, but, at the same time, she attributes an essential role to the quality of rationality and the ability of the individual to decide for himself. Man is capable of exporting the good nature of his values and in order to avoid a chaotic situation, the state must ensure the proper exercitation of each individual right. Thus, the state cannot interfere but to a limited degree which includes the upholding of the law.

Overall, it can be concluded that there are various opinions on the actual notion of liberalism. In the end, it depends on the reference point under discussion. However, both Reich and Rand share certain liberal conceptions, while disagreeing on others.

Bibliography

Hallowell, John. Main Currents in Modern Political Thought, New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1950.

Rand, Ayn. Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. New York: Penguin, 1967.

Reich, Robert B. I'll be short. Essentials for a Decent Working Society. Boston: Beacon Press, 2002

Walsh, James H. George Soros: Open Society and Open Borders. Tuesday, July 25, 2006. News Max.com website.….....