Objectivism rejects the theory of the analytic-synthetic dichotomy as false—in
principle, at root, and in every one of its variants. . . .
An analytic proposition is defined as one which can be validated merely by an
analysis of the meaning of its constituent concepts. The critical question is:
What is included in “the meaning of a concept”? Does a concept mean the
existents which it subsumes, including all their characteristics? Or does
it mean only certain aspects of these existents, designating some of their
characteristics but excluding others?
The latter viewpoint is fundamental to every version of the analytic-synthetic
dichotomy. The advocates of this dichotomy divide the characteristics of the
existents subsumed under a concept into two groups: those which are included
in the meaning of the concept, and those—the great majority—which, they
claim, are excluded from its meaning. The dichotomy among propositions
follows directly. If a proposition links the “included” characteristics with
the concept, it can be validated merely by an “analysis” of the concept; if it
links the “excluded” characteristics with the concept, it represents an act of
“synthesis.”