In the “Debate Room” of Business Week, Onkar Ghate debates whether the economy needs Ayn Rand. As you might imagine, he’s on the “pro” side.

Comments are welcome. Here’s what I posted:

On reading this short debate, I was immediately struck by the vast difference in the intellectual maturity of the two sides.

Dr. Ghate clearly articulates a serious position, based on the theme that Ayn Rand offers the necessary the philosophical foundation of Declaration of Independence. In so doing, he conveys the depth and substance of Ayn Rand’s ideas in a way that would naturally arouse a person’s curiosity to learn more. (I recommend starting with Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged.)

In sharp contrast, Christina Patterson’s remarks are shocking juvenile. She offers nothing better than ill-founded insults and vague accusations. She has no positive views of her own to offer, nor any substantive criticisms of Ayn Rand’s views. By her superficial and obviously ignorant sniping, she conveys contempt for her readers.

Patterson claims that hers is the mature view, but her own words show the very opposite. Whether you ultimately agree with them or not, Ayn Rand’s ideas deserve serious consideration.

It’s delightful to see the left’s dismissals of Ayn Rand’s ideas wearing thin.