Debased Tastes

Doesn't capitalism lead to debased tastes?

The debased art and tastes of our present society are not a function of capitalism, but are a function of the irrational philosophies taught in many of our universities, that glorifies anti-art.

Does capitalism allow a man to indulge in debased tastes?

Of course, capitalism does allow a man to indulge in debased tastes -- but only by wasting his own money and not that of others, by prohibiting a man from forcing others to view or support his tastes, if they do not voluntarily wish to of their own free-will. And neither may he use the powers of the state to force others to subsidize his debased tastes either (as much bad art is paid for today).

What is the art of the capitalist?

What is the art of the capitalist? Politically, capitalism has no views on art, as it is the name of a social system of freedom. However, the the only non-contradictory philosophy supporting capitalism -- Objectivism -- does have views on art (as art is a branch of philosophy called esthetics). Such a philosophy is best concretized artistically by a magnificent man glorifying Greek sculpture, an exquisite painting by Michaelango, or a heroic novel portraying the men of the mind triumphing over irrationality by Ayn Rand. Observe their common element: all are masterpieces portraying man as he could be and should be. Such is the "debased" taste of a capitalist.


Web Site:

The New Romanticist

Suggested Reading:

For Ayn Rand's views on the nature of art read The Romantic Mainfesto