Rand vs. Aristotole.

Recently, in Modesto, CA a 41 year
old high school business teacher left his wife and 3 children to pursue
marriage and a life with an 18 year old student. As we're currently studying
Aristotle and have previously discussed Ayn Rand, this story seems to offer a
stark contrast to the two approaches one can take in their philosophies of
life. Rand would suggest that one has no obligation to others in any fashion
and that reason is the only virtue that is relevant and that any relationship
must be based on mutual advantage between two people. Given that standard, I'm
uncertain if, of how these two people could be offering each other anything at
such different stages in life. Aristotle states that happiness is sought by out
actions, and by living within the "Golden Mean". This adult man
made the choice to leave his wife and 3 children, one of which is a 17 yr old
former classmate of his now fiancé and lover, was he really practicing balance
in that moment of choice? The couple claims their actions are the result of
"true love" but as Rand would tell us, "love" is irrelevant
and immaterial, it is a perversion of reason. Aristotle would tell us that “Happiness
depends upon ourselves" and that "love is 2 souls inhabiting one
body". Perhaps they are in love, and by Rands position society has no
place in judging them, but can an 18 year old girl really make that choice with
clarity? Is a 41 year old parent and husband really serving his family and self
by avoiding responsibility in the pursuit of self-wanting?



http://bossip.com/550488/no-shame-41-year-old-cali-teacher-resigns-and-leaves-his-wife-kids-to-move-into-an-apartment-with-18-year-old-student/