Philosophy for Living On Earth

Ayn Rand Institute
  • 4.8 (14)
  • PHILOSOPHY

Contrary to common belief, philosophy is not a useless field for academics in an ivory tower, detached from reality. Approached rationally, its principles are the indispensable foundation and practical toolset for navigating the complexities of life on earth. In this series, we explore important philosophical issues, offering answers to life’s big questions, and contemporary controversies, from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism.

  1. 03/27/2020

    The Role of Government During a Health Crisis with Onkar Ghate and Greg Salmieri

    Governments are taking unprecedented measures to restrict travel and shut down businesses in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Politicians are justifying these measures by invoking emergency, even wartime, powers. What is the proper role of government during a health crisis like this one? What values should guide us in thinking about … Continue reading The Role of Government During a Health Crisis with Onkar Ghate and Greg Salmieri →

    1h 33m

  2. 03/25/2020

    The Pandemic and the Economy with Yaron Brook and Rob Tarr

    With the stock market now crashing and many people facing unemployment in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, governments are reacting with a variety allegedly aimed at stabilizing the markets and promoting economic security. What effects will these measures have on the economy? Will they address the root causes of the crash or might they … Continue reading The Pandemic and the Economy with Yaron Brook and Rob Tarr →

    1h 17m

  3. 03/19/2020

    Is There a Rational Morality? by Ben Bayer

    Most people think about morality as a set of commandments handed down by a god. Others believe we can get moral guidance by consulting our own feelings of sympathy for the needs and desires of other people. Are these the only two options? Does morality have to be based on faith in a higher dimension … Continue reading Is There a Rational Morality? by Ben Bayer →

    1h 1m

  4. 03/18/2020

    Thinking Philosophically About the Pandemic with Onkar Ghate and Gregory Salmieri

    The COVID-19 pandemic and the responses to it from both business and government are now dominating the headlines and overwhelming our lives. As we all begin to grapple with the wide-ranging effects of both the disease and the steps being taken to fight it, there’s a need to take a step back and survey the … Continue reading Thinking Philosophically About the Pandemic with Onkar Ghate and Gregory Salmieri →

    1h 31m

  5. 03/11/2020

    What Drives History? by Keith Lockitch

    What explains the major developments and trends that have shaped our world through the ages? Human history is complex and, obviously, there are many factors involved. And some of the questions raised are these: Is there a fundamental cause that explains the big picture? Is there an ultimate cause that directs the overall sweep of … Continue reading What Drives History? by Keith Lockitch →

    1h 3m

  6. 03/04/2020

    What Should Society Do About The Poor? by Aaron Smith

    Most people believe that society has a moral obligation toward its poor and its needy—and that something must be done, politically, to help them. Is this the right way to think about the poor and society? Are these issues for the whole of society to decide? Are they political problems that need to have imposed … Continue reading What Should Society Do About The Poor? by Aaron Smith →

    1h 1m

  7. 02/26/2020

    Is Privilege Real? by Gregory Salmieri

    Many people believe that privilege—the idea that special rights or advantages are available only to a particular person or group—is a problem. While there are advantages, such as the wealth and location of one’s parents, that are not a choice, there are reasons to be skeptical about whether or not privilege is a problem. For … Continue reading Is Privilege Real? by Gregory Salmieri →

    1h 6m

  8. 02/19/2020

    Is Abortion Immoral? by Ben Bayer

    Abortion is an important issue consistently in the public discourse. What makes it so persistent? Should there be any legal limit on abortion? Much of the discussion about abortion revolves around differing views of when life begins. Is there something significantly different about an entity before and after it’s born? Join David Birnbaum as he … Continue reading Is Abortion Immoral? by Ben Bayer →

    1h 4m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Contrary to common belief, philosophy is not a useless field for academics in an ivory tower, detached from reality. Approached rationally, its principles are the indispensable foundation and practical toolset for navigating the complexities of life on earth. In this series, we explore important philosophical issues, offering answers to life’s big questions, and contemporary controversies, from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism.

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