Destruction of Mind: Scientist and Authority in Novels by S. Lewis “Arrowsmith” and Ayn Rand “Atlas Shrugged”

Abstract

The results of the comparative analysis of two novels - by American author S. Lewis (“Arrowsmith”) and American writer of Russian origin Ayn Rand (“Altas shrugged”) - are presented. The images of scientists, the authors’ attitudes to the problems of science and money, science and power, science and reason, scientific and technological progress presented in the works are compared. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that these novels have never before been compared. Actuality of work is conditioned by the importance of the analysis of the different philosophical views of Lewis and Rand on socialism and capitalism, that found a contact in criticism of the contemporary political system of the first half of the 20^th century. In the study the author notes that in both novels in different ways the position of science in a capitalist society, the relations of scientists and government representatives are shown, at that Lewis puts the consumer above the creator, and Rand lets the creator to be the center of the universe, towering above the crowd of consumers. It is alleged that the writers’ evaluation of the role of creators and consumers in the development of society can be projected in their attitude to the ideology of socialism and capitalism. However both authors warn about the evils of consumer attitudes to science in the contemporary political system.