Rational Renaissance: Unveiling Philosophy's Heroes & Villains with Dr Andrew Bernstein

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Bernstein, a distinguished advocate of Ayn Rand's Objectivism and a renowned philosopher with a PhD from the City University of New York, returns to continue his riveting conversation with Michael. Together, they delve deep into the lives and ideas of three philosophers: Plato, Thomas Aquinas, and Descartes.Unraveling the historical context, the duo examines how these philosophical giants, despite contributing valuable ideas, became perceived as villains due to their involvement and influence in Christianity and mysticism.

They explore the notion of rationalism and its potential pitfalls when divorced from observable reality. The discussion uncovers how their beliefs often contained contradictions and how their ideas led to a disconnect between consciousness and the tangible world.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Michael and Dr. Bernstein shed light on the dark ages, a period when Christianity held power and the profound damage it caused to knowledge preservation, including book burnings, destruction of libraries, and the suppression of rational philosophy.

The lingering effects of mysticism in contemporary society are also explored, while a glimmer of hope emerges - rational philosophy as the way forward.

By discussing influential figures from the past, the podcast aims to inspire listeners to critically analyse ideas, embrace rational thinking, and find a path towards a more enlightened future.

Michael Leibowitz is a renowned philosopher, political activist, and the esteemed host of the Rational Egoist podcast. Inspired by the philosophical teachings of Ayn Rand, Leibowitz passionately champions the principles of reason, rational self-interest, and individualism, seeking to empower others through his compelling work.

His life's narrative exemplifies the transformative power of Ayn Rand's writings. Having faced challenging circumstances that led to a 25-year prison sentence, Leibowitz emerged from adversity by embracing the tenets of rational self-interest and moral philosophy put forth by Ayn Rand. This profound transformation propelled him to become an influential figure in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, motivating others to adopt reason, individualism, and self-interest in their own lives.

Beyond his impactful podcasting endeavorus, Leibowitz fearlessly engages in lively political debates, advocating for the protection of individual rights and freedoms through compelling YouTube videos and insightful interviews. His unwavering commitment to these ideals has garnered him a dedicated following of like-minded individuals.

Leibowitz is a versatile author, co-authoring the thought-provoking book titled "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime." This groundbreaking work delves into societal attitudes surrounding punishment and rehabilitation, shedding light on how misguided approaches have contributed to the rise of crime and recidivism.Additionally, he has authored the book "View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty," offering an intimate portrayal of his personal journey while exploring the philosophies that influenced his transformation.

As you embark on your intellectual journey, join Michael Leibowitz as he advocates for reason, individualism, and the pursuit of self-interest, inspiring others to embrace a philosophy that empowers and uplifts the human spirit.

For a deeper exploration of his ideas and insights, don't miss the opportunity to read "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," co-authored by Michael Leibowitz. And also, delve into his book "View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty."

Both books are available for purchase using the following links:

"Down the Rabbit Hole": https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

"View from a Cage": https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj