I'm a
quasiobjectivist. I really like their systematic and
internally self-consistent philosophical system, but I have also examined
critically many of the precepts of
objectivism, particularly the commonly perceived objectivist "
demonizing" of
altruism. I believe altruism does indeed have its place in society and to deny that would be to blind yourself to some basic facts about
human nature, namely, that one who seeks nothing but his own happiness will never find it. Altruism is
hard-wired into the
human psyche because
evolution demands that it be, for the simple reason that an
altruistic species is more likely to survive. However, on a "higher" level, so to speak, altruism is really compatible with objectivism provided you accept that you are in fact transacting something for an
emotional value.
In addition, I have a major problem with the Ayn Rand's seemingly illogical attachment to volition, or free will. I'm essentially a determinist; having volition means that you have to accept dualism and the concept of the mind as being something non-material. I can't find any evidence that supports this, and thus the principle of Occam's Razor tells me that it's as nonsensical as theism for exactly the same reasons.