ARI Co-Hosts Third Conference for BB&T Professors
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Ayn Rand? Ayn Rand Ayn
Who Is Ayn Rand? Ayn Rand Few 20th century intellectuals have been as influential—and controversial— as the novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand. Her thinking still has a profound impact, particularly on those who come to it through her novels, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead—with their core messages of individualism, self-worth, and the right to live without the impositions of others. Although ignored or scorned by some academics, traditionalists, pro- gressives, and public intellectuals, her thought remains a major influence on Ayn Rand many of the world’s leading legislators, policy advisers, economists, entre- preneurs, and investors. INTRODUCTION AN Why does Rand’s work remain so influential? Ayn Rand: An Introduction illuminates Rand’s importance, detailing her understanding of reality and human nature, and explores the ongoing fascination with and debates about her conclusions on knowledge, morality, politics, economics, government, AN INTRODUCTION public issues, aesthetics and literature. The book also places these in the context of her life and times, showing how revolutionary they were, and how they have influenced and continue to impact public policy debates. EAMONN BUTLER is director of the Adam Smith Institute, a leading think tank in the UK. He holds degrees in economics and psychology, a PhD in philosophy, and an honorary DLitt. A former winner of the Freedom Medal of Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge and the UK National Free Enterprise Award, Eamonn is currently secretary of the Mont Pelerin Society. Butler is the author of many books, including introductions on the pioneering economists Eamonn Butler Adam Smith, Milton Friedman, F. -
Reckless Caution: the Perils of Judicial Minimalism
RECKLESS CAUTION: THE PERILS OF JUDICIAL MINIMALISM Tara Smith* ABSTRACT Judicial Minimalism is the increasingly popular view that judges decide cases properly to the extent that they minimize their own imprint on the law by meticulously assessing “one case at a time,” ruling on narrow and shallow grounds, eschewing broader theories, and altering entrenched legal practices only incremen- tally. Minimalism’s ascendancy across the political spectrum, be- ing embraced by advocates of both right-wing and left-wing ide- ologies, is touted as a sign of its appropriate value-neutrality. This paper argues that such sought-after neutrality is, in fact, untenable. While others have objected to some of Minimalism’s specific tenets, critics have missed its more fundamental failing: it is an incoherent concept. On analysis, Minimalism’s several planks and rationales prove mutually contradictory and, corre- spondingly, offer conflicting guidance to judges. Thus the reason that Minimalism can appeal to people of such disparate substan- tive views is that in practice, it is merely a placeholder invoked to * Many people have offered helpful discussion of the ideas developed in this paper or feedback on earlier drafts. I am grateful to audiences at Oxford’s Uehiro Center and the University of Virginia, and in particular to Tom Bowden, Onkar Ghate, Wesley Hottot, Loren Lomasky, Al Martinich, Matt Miller, Adam Mossoff, Matt O’Brien, Greg Salmieri, Julian Savulescu, John Simmons, and Kevin Stuart. 347 348 New York University Journal of Law & Liberty [Vol. 5:347 sanction a grab-bag of desiderata rather than a distinctive method of decision-making that offers genuine guidance. -
Introducing More Students to Ayn Rand's Ideas
Volume 11, Number 9, September 2005 Introducing More Students to Ayn Rand’s Ideas he 14,332 high school students who entered Ayn Rand’s works but, for lack of funding, cannot Tthe Ayn Rand Institute’s annual essay contest obtain enough copies for their classrooms. With in 2005 will soon receive an acknowledgement of the books, we also send suggested lesson-plans their effort and an invitation to read another of Ayn and teachers guides. Rand’s novels—in the form of a free copy of The In the last three years the Institute has distrib- Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged. uted more than 165,000 free books. Whereas, to In the fall ARI will send all students who date, the flyers have produced a steadily grow- submitted essays to The Fountainhead contest ing stream of book requests, the Web site has the last academic year a complimentary copy of potential to generate a torrent. Atlas Shrugged. These students are entering their ARI’s ability to supply books depends senior year in school or have recently graduated; on funding. The decision to invite teachers to those starting college are eligible to enter our request books online was made after the Institute contest on Atlas. received a million-dollar contribution to help All 9,525 students who entered the Anthem fund the program. contest as freshmen or sophomores in 2005 will soon receive a copy of The Fountainhead. Of these Foundation’s Grant Is Matched—Again former entrants, students now in the 11th grade are For the second straight year, a foundation in eligible to enter the Fountainhead contest. -
Understanding Rational Egoism
Understanding Rational Egoism CRAIG BIDDLE Copyright © 2018 by The Objective Standard. All rights reserved. The Rational Alternative to “Liberalism” and Conservatism OBAMACARE v. GOVERNMENT’S ASSAULT ANDY KESSLER ON Ayn Rand THE BRILLIANCE THE CONSTITUTION (p.11) ON CAREER COLLEGES (p.53) “EATING PEOPLE” (p.75) Contra Nietzsche CEO Jim Brown’s Vision OF LOUIS PASTEURTHE OBJECTIVE STANDARD THE WAR BETWEEN STANDARD OBJECTIVE THE for the Ayn Rand Institute EDUCATION IN INTELLECTUALS AND CAPITALISM Capitalism A FREE SOCIETY Because Science Alex Epstein on How to The Objective StandardVOL. 6, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2011 THE OBJECTIVE STANDARD The Objective Standard Improve Your World – 2014 VOL. 8, NO. 4 • WINTER 2013 Robin Field on Objectivism Forand theProfit Performing Arts The Objective Standard VOL. 12, NO. 1 • SPRING 2017 “Ayn Rand Said” Libertarianism It is Is Not an Argument VOL. 11, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2016 vs. THE OBJECTIVE STANDARD Time: The Objective Standard Radical Capitalism America CONSERVATIVES’FAULT at Her The Iranian & Saudi Regimes Best Plus: Is SPRING 2017 ∙ VOL. 12, NO. 1 NO. 12, VOL. ∙ 2017 SPRING (p.19) SUMMER 2011 ∙ VOL. 6, NO. 2 NO. 6, ∙ VOL. SUMMER 2011 MUST GO WINTER 2013–2014 ∙ VOL. 8, NO. 4 Plus: Ex-CIA Spy Reza Kahlili on Iran’s Evil Regime (p.24)Hamiltonian Ribbon, Orange Crate, and Votive Holder, 14” x 18” Historian John D. Lewis on U.S. Foreign Policy (p.38) LINDA MANN Still Lifes in Oil SUMMER 2016 ∙ VOL. 11, NO. 2 lindamann.com ∙ 425.644.9952 WWW.CAPITALISTPIG.COM POB 1658 Chicago, IL 60658 An actively managed hedge fund. -
The Moral CASE for Capitalism
the May 2007 / Volume 3, Issue 4 / the-undercurrent.com Undercurrent “It was as if an underground stream flowed through the country and broke out in sudden springs that shot to the surface at random, in unpredictable places.” Ayn Rand INSIDE THE MORAL case THIS ISSUE Freedom of Speech: foR caPitaLism An Interview with Dr. Achieving the good requires protecting freedom, Onkar Ghate not enforcing sacrifice. page 3 by Noah Stahl In Defense of Income It is widely acknowledged that capitalist countries are the most successful at Inequality creating wealth and raising their citizens’ overall standard of living. People page 7 who live in such countries enjoy access to bigger homes, better-trained doctors, more advanced technology, and higher paying jobs. By contrast, those living under collectivist systems like the European welfare states often Atlas Shrugged Essay endure long waits for poorer quality medical help and have far less choice in the things they buy and less money to buy them with. Studies like the Index of Economic Contest Freedom consistently find that higher measures of economic liberty correlate strongly with better page 7 standards of living: the freer people are, the richer they become. But in spite of all this, capitalism is criticized. Its detractors complain that it creates an unjust divide between rich and poor—or that employers don’t pay employees their rightful due—or that Speakers, Events, and the poor are “denied access” to basic needs like education, medical care, and retirement income. Meetings Even though the poor in capitalist countries enjoy far greater resources and opportunities than their counterparts in collectivist nations, critics denounce capitalism for allowing some people to page 8 (Continued on Page 2) OBJECTIVISM The Undercurrent’s cultural commentary Campus Commentary On Free Speech is based on Ayn Rand’s philosophy, University Mission Statements: False Objectivism. -
THE MYTH ABOUT AYN RAND and SOCIAL SECURITY by Onkar Ghate | June 19, 2014
GOVERNMENT & BUSINESS INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS SHARE THE MYTH ABOUT AYN RAND AND SOCIAL SECURITY by Onkar Ghate | June 19, 2014 You know your critics are desperate when they accuse you of hypocrisy without bothering to investigate your stated principles. The desperation is especially palpable if you’ve explained how those principles apply to the very action you’re being criticized for. So it is with Ayn Rand and Social Security. When fans voice her moral critique of the welfare state, many opponents respond by attacking her. She collected Social Security, they say, even though she opposed the program’s very existence. What a hypocrite! But what a gift, because she’s shown that her philosophy is unlivable. Case closed. If only real thinking were this easy. From the archival evidence I’ve seen, Rand did collect Social Security. But isn’t it relevant that Rand argued in printfor the consistency of this position, a fact any informed critic should know? We might end up disagreeing with Rand’s analysis, but doesn’t plain decency require that we first examine it? So let’s do that. Rand morally opposes the welfare state because she’s an unwavering advocate of the individual’s moral right to his life, his liberty, his earned property, and the pursuit of his own happiness. She viewed America as putting an end to the idea that the individual must live for king, neighbor or pope. For the first time in history the individual was declared free to live for himself. It was not handouts or entitlement programs that the millions of individuals who came to America’s shores sought, but freedom. -
200306 IMPACT02.Qxd
Volume 9, Number 6, June 2003 Local Activism: Introducing Ayn Rand’s In the Media: Dr. Brook on PBS In May 2002 Dr. Yaron Brook was a panelist on Books Into Texas Schools The McCuistion Program; the topic was “The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Solutions for Peace.” That program re-aired last month, at various The Houston Objectivism Society (HOS), an At one school she suggested that her times, on PBS and cable channels throughout independent community group that promotes the department obtain copies of Anthem and Ayn the country. study of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, has long Rand’s play Night of January 16th. As a result, supported ARI’s projects. For several years a fellow teacher is using them in class, “because . and on Fox News Channel HOS has amplified the effect of our high school she saw them on the shelves, and she remem- On April 27 Dr. Brook was interviewed on the essay contest on Anthem and The Fountainhead bered me telling her how much my students Fox News Channel show At Large With by sponsoring prizes for contest winners in the enjoyed the books,” said Ms. Wich. Geraldo. He discussed the dangers of an Houston area. Since 1995 the members of HOS Iranian-backed attempt to install an Islamic have given more than $18,000 in scholarship Books Quickly Win Fans Among Students theocracy in post-war Iraq. money to local winners. The overwhelming response to Though the efforts of HOS Anthem and The Fountainhead, . and on C-SPAN have helped to encourage teachers she continued, “was extremely In April Dr. -
Yaron Brook Speaks to a Wide Array of Audiences, Continued from Page 1
aynrand.org/impact Volume 19, Number 5, May 2013 Yaron Brook Speaks Objectivist Summer Conference Is Almost Here . to a Wide Array Register Today! of Audiences history to psychology, music and current events. In addition, there is plenty of time to his spring ARI executive socialize with others who share some of director Yaron Brook T your deepest values. It is common to see traveled all over the world. people enjoying conversations with other He participated in debates, attendees late into the night. Those in lectured on college campuses, attendance vary widely in age, occupation sat on panels and much more, and the number of years they have been discussing topics ranging familiar with Ayn Rand’s ideas. Some have from capitalism and economic only recently discovered Rand, while others history to law and taxes. have attended the Objectivist summer Throughout his travels, t’s not too late to register for the annual Objec- conference for more than two decades. Some are Dr. Brook advocated Ayn Rand’s ideas and their tivist summer conference, which takes place this students still deciding which career to pursue while application to current issues to thousands of peo- I year July 5–11 in Chicago at the Westin Michigan others are well established in business, academia ple, ranging from college students and academic Avenue Hotel. and other fields. Many attendees have communi- scholars to policy activists and congressional staff- The conference offers a unique opportunity cated to ARI in past years that they have met their ers. Below is a sampling of Dr. Brook’s speaking to meet other fans of Ayn Rand. -
The American Philosophical Association EASTERN DIVISION ONE HUNDRED TENTH ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM
The American Philosophical Association EASTERN DIVISION ONE HUNDRED TENTH ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM BALTIMORE MARRIOTT WATERFRONT BALTIMORE, MARYLAND DECEMBER 27 – 30, 2013 Important Notices for Meeting Attendees SESSION LOCATIONS Please note: the locations of all individual sessions will be included in the paper program that you will receive when you pick up your registration materials at the meeting. To save on printing costs, the program will be available only online prior to the meeting; with the exception of plenary sessions, the online version does not include session locations. In addition, locations for sessions on the first evening (December 27) will be posted in the registration area. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION Please note: it costs $40 less to register in advance than to register at the meeting. The advance registration rates are the same as last year, but the additional cost of registering at the meeting has increased. Online advance registration at www.apaonline.org is available until December 26. 1 Friday Evening, December 27: 6:30–9:30 p.m. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 1:00–6:00 p.m. REGISTRATION 3:00–10:00 p.m., registration desk (third floor) PLACEMENT INFORMATION Interviewers and candidates: 3:00–10:00 p.m., Dover A and B (third floor) Interview tables: Harborside Ballroom, Salons A, B, and C (fourth floor) FRIDAY EVENING, 6:30–9:30 P.M. MAIN PROGRAM SESSIONS I-A. Symposium: Ancient and Medieval Philosophy of Language THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED. I-B. Symposium: German Idealism: Recent Revivals and Contemporary Relevance Chair: Jamie Lindsay (City University of New York–Graduate Center) Speakers: Robert Brandom (University of Pittsburgh) Axel Honneth (Columbia University) Commentator: Sally Sedgwick (University of Illinois–Chicago) I-C. -
John Dewey, Maria Montessori, and Objectivist Educational Philosophy During the Postwar Years
73 Historical Studies in Education / Revue d’histoire de l’éducation ARTICLES / ARTICLES “The Ayn Rand School for Tots”: John Dewey, Maria Montessori, and Objectivist Educational Philosophy during the Postwar Years Jason Reid ABSTRACT Objectivism, the libertarian philosophy established by Ayn Rand during the postwar years, has attracted a great deal of attention from philosophers, political scientists, economists, and English professors alike in recent years, but has not received much notice from historians with an interest in education. This article will address that problem by discussing how Rand and her followers established a philosophy of education during the 1960s and 1970s that was based, in part, on vilifying the so-called collectivist ideas of John Dewey and lionizing the so-called individualist ideas of Maria Montessori. Unfortunately, the narrative that emerged during this time seriously misrepresented the ideas of both Dewey and Montessori, resulting in a some- what distorted view of both educators. RÉSUMÉ L’objectivisme, philosophie libertaire conçue par Ayn Rand dans la période de l’après-guerre, a suscitée beaucoup d’attention de la part des philosophes, politologues, économistes et profes- seurs de littérature anglaise, mais rien de tel chez les historiens de l’éducation. Cet article cor- rige cette lacune, en montrant comment durant les années 1960 et 1970 Rand et ses partisans ont établi une philosophie de l’éducation qui s’appuyait, en partie, sur la diffamation des idées prétendues collectivistes de John Dewey et l’idolâtrie de l’individualisme de Maria Montessori. Malheureusement, leurs travaux ont donné une fausse image des idées de Dewey et Montessori et conséquemment ont déformé les théories ces deux éducateurs. -
Is Life the Ultimate Value? a Reassessment of Ayn Rand's Ethics
Reason Papers Vol. 34, no. 2 Is Life the Ultimate Value? A Reassessment of Ayn Rand’s Ethics Ole Martin Moen University of Oslo 1. Introduction: The Problem of Ultimate Value We all value things. For example, we value friendships, prosperity, and knowledge. These seem to be good things and things worthy of pursuit. They seem better and more worthy of pursuit, at least, than do their opposites: enmity, poverty, and ignorance. A notable fact about the things we consider valuable is that most of them appear to be valuable not merely as things worth having for their own sake, but as things worth having for the sake of something else. Consider prosperity: Though we genuinely value prosperity—we want it, we think it is good, and we act to gain and keep it—we value it not merely so as to be prosperous, but so as to achieve something further, such as steady access to food, drink, and clothes. Were it not for the food, drink, and clothes—and the other things that prosperity brings about, such as transportation, medicine, and homes—a great deal, if not all, of the value of prosperity would be lost. Food, drink, and clothes, moreover, do not seem to be ends in themselves either. Though they are ends of prosperity, they are also—from another perspective—means to avoid hunger, thirst, and cold. Furthermore, avoiding hunger, thirst, and cold seems to be a means to yet another end: remaining in good health. Where does the chain of values end? It seems that the chain of values must end somewhere, for though some values can be values by virtue of being means to or constituent parts of further values, not all values can be values of this kind. -
Ayn Rand Through a Biblical Lens by David S
CHECK YOUR PREMISES: AYN RAND THROUGH A BIBLICAL LENS BY DAVID S. KOTTER. Foreword by Art Lindsley, Ph.D. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand has been ranked as second only to the Bible as one of the most influential books in the lives of modern readers, and more than 30 million copies of her books have been sold. Nearly a million dollars in cash prizes have been awarded in essay contests encouraging high school and college students to read Rand’s novels, and increasingly universities are making her books required reading. Aside from Rand’s success, why would the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) show interest in reviewing the thoughts behind her works, given that she was a virulent atheist, despised Christianity along with the Bible, condemned any form of altruism, exalted selfishness, and used the dollar bill as her symbol? First, even if you have no intention of reading Rand – and her works are certainly not for everyone – it is at least worth knowing what she believed and how her beliefs compare and contrast with the Bible. Second, any work that appeals to so many people likely contains some truths worth investigating. For example, I have learned specific truths through reading atheist, New Age, and neo-pagan works, even though I reject their overarching worldview. We at IFWE believe in common grace, which means that every favor of whatever kind that this undeserving world enjoys originates from the hand of God. While it is true that unbelievers eventually twist truth, they nonetheless have some truth to twist. In other words, non-believers have both honey – created truth – and hemlock – truth twisted by the Fall.