Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Philosophy
Egoism, Benevolence, and Generosity
Although benevolence and generosity are not universally life-serving and thus are not moral virtues per se, they can be, and often are, profoundly selfish.
Welcome to the Summer 2017 issue of The Objective Standard—also known as the journal for people of reason. This issue continues our pivot away from heavy focus on politics and toward greater focus on deeper philosophy and the arts. I hope you’re enjoying this change of direction as much as we are and finding the articles both clarifying and entertaining. Let us know what you think! First up is my article “Egoism, Benevolence, and Generosity,” which shows that the latter two elements, although not moral virtues per se, can be and often are profoundly selfish, given certain objective provisos. Next is Timothy Sandefur’s essay, “Captain Cook: Explorer of the Enlightenment,” which paints a delightful (albeit occasionally horrifying) picture of this insufficiently recognized hero. (Special thanks to artist Geoff Hunt for permitting us to use an image of his painting, Endeavor Leaving Plymouth, with the online version of this article.) My piece “Secular, Objective Morality: Look and See” lays out a vivid, step-by-step derivation of the foundations and basic principles of Ayn Rand’s Objectivist ethics. (This is one to share with friends,. . . Continue »
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Philosophy
Although benevolence and generosity are not universally life-serving and thus are not moral virtues per se, they can be, and often are, profoundly selfish.
This is the story of Captain James Cook, the greatest navigator and explorer of his age—and perhaps of all time.
Objective morality comes not from revelation, faith, or divine commandments—but from observation, logic, and the laws of nature.
Shows why religion—or “supernatural” subjectivism—is significantly more subjective than secular subjectivism.
The idea that the entire left-right political spectrum is statist is not merely wrong; it is disastrously wrong.
Politics & Rights, Science & Technology
Republicans will not repeal Obamacare—but don't blame them; blame the moral code of altruism, in which the culture is steeped.
Widespread outrage concerning the Ryan plan shows the extent to which Americans regard people’s needs as constituting rights.
Poems on the theme of independence, by William Ernest Henley, Henry Lawson, Edgar Guest, Badger Clark, Ralph Chaplin, Dale Wimbrow, and Robert Burns.
The Shapiro Principle is the means to a mass movement that grounds rights, freedom, and capitalism in reason, observation, and logic.
Addresses criticisms of “The Shapiro Principle” with questions about how best to encourage religious people to embrace reason and freedom.
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Philosophy
Ben Shapiro claims that all philosophic foundations are subjective, but, in action, he reaffirms the objectivity of some.
Philosophy, Science & Technology
If liberating a bulldozer’s dharma nature and returning it to the Earth strikes you as crazy, you’re not using your reptilian cortex.
Shows that under laissez-faire capitalism, the poor, disabled, and helpless would fare as well as is possible.
As Dennis Prager again insists that if there is no God, anything goes, another jihadist commits mass murder in the name of God. The irony...
Craig Biddle offers Dennis Prager $10,000 to debate whether secular objective morality exists—or whether objective morality depends on God.
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Philosophy
Dennis Prager and Michael Shermer’s discussion about secular, objective morality is unlikely to make significant headway. Here’s why.
In its aim to make room for “nuance,” the Nolan chart muddies political waters in myriad ways.
Good Living, Science & Technology
College student Mark Coldren recounts his experience and reasons for donating stem cells to save the life of a man halfway around the globe.
Three cheers to Dr. Butler and the Adam Smith Institute for writing and publishing an important article on Ayn Rand and her ideas.