Ayn Rand Centre UK Podcast

“There can be no compromise on basic principles or on fundamental issues. What would you regard as a “compromise” between life and death? Or between truth and falsehood? Or between reason and irrationality?” — Ayn Rand, "Doesn’t Life Require Compromise?”Join Don Watkins and James Stevens Valliant as they discuss Ayn Rand’s essay, "Doesn’t Life Require Compromise?”, and explore questions around her view of compromise, and its various applications to the realm of work, relationships, personal choices, love, and more. The session will be moderated by Nikos.Read the essay here: https://courses.aynrand.org/works/doesnt-life-require-compromise/

“It is the metaphysically given that must be accepted: it cannot be changed. It is the man-made that must never be accepted uncritically: it must be judged, then accepted or rejected and changed when necessary.” — Ayn Rand, Philosophy: Who Needs ItAyn Rand’s distinction between the metaphysically given and the man-made has been vital in helping us rationally approach issues of agency, moral responsibility, and the acceptance of reality, among others.In this session, we will explore several questions around the metaphysically given and the man-made. For instance:How does this distinction relate to moral responsibility?What are the consequences of not properly distinguishing between the metaphysically given and the man-made? Why is it so important to do so?How can we use this distinction to better understand human nature and what aspects of ourselves are in our control?https://courses.aynrand.org/works/the...​

It has been a year since COVID swept over the world, triggering numerous pauses and changes to life as it was normally lived. Join us in our upcoming Meetup with Nikos, Annie Vinther Sanz, and Dr. Ellen Kenner as they reflect on their experience with the pandemic in their respective parts of the world, the perspectives that they’ve developed on it, and what emerged from it all.SHOW LESS

"Art is a concretization of metaphysics. Art brings man’s concepts to the perceptual level of his consciousness and allows him to grasp them directly, as if they were percepts.” Ayn RandDon Watkins and James Valliant discuss Rand’s essay The Psycho-Epistemology of Art, available for free here: https://campus.aynrand.org/works/1965...

“It is the basic, metaphysical fact of man’s nature—the connection between his survival and his use of reason—that capitalism recognizes and protects.” Ayn Rand, “What Is Capitalism?”In this essay, Ayn Rand presents the most meticulous and cogent introduction, explanation, and defence of capitalism perhaps ever written, grounding it in a complete and integrated philosophical system.Join us in our upcoming discussion with James Valliant and Don Watkins as we explore this essay and how her approach to capitalism—and politics and economics at large—differs from that of other advocates of capitalism.https://courses.aynrand.org/works/wha...

It’s been almost a year since ARCUK made the best of a bad situation by transitioning online and significantly growing its content on various platforms during the lockdowns. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far, but the future of the Centre is not guaranteed. A strong fundraising campaign is crucial for our survival, and we are kicking it off in the most ceremonious way: with an all-star line-up of guests who will not only highlight the value of ARCUK, but also interact with us and share thoughts on the successful advocacy of Objectivism.To support our work, visit https://aynrandcentre.co.uk/membership/​

“The first question is not: What particular code of values should man accept? The first question is: Does man need values at all—and why?” Ayn Rand, “The Objectivist Ethics”In this essay, Ayn Rand masterfully guides us through her revolutionary approach to ethics and moral values—starting with the question of why human beings need a moral code to begin with.Join James Valliant and Nikos as we explore Ayn Rand’s essay and her approach to morality.Full essay: https://courses.aynrand.org/works/the-objectivist-ethics/

“Now some of you might say, as many people do: ‘Aw, I never think in such abstract terms—I want to deal with concrete, particular, real-life problems—what do I need philosophy for?’ My answer is: In order to be able to deal with concrete, particular, real-life problems—i.e., in order to be able to live on earth.” Ayn Rand, Philosophy: Who Needs ItIn this essay, Ayn Rand takes the reader on a clarifying tour of philosophy, covering: what philosophy is, why philosophy is relevant (and for whom), what the basic branches of philosophy are, and more.Join our discussion with James Valliant & Don Watkins, where we will explore this essay and discuss why Rand’s approach to philosophy is unique, compared to some prominent approaches to philosophy both within and outside academia.Full essay: https://courses.aynrand.org/works/philosophy-who-needs-it/Consider supporting our work by becoming a member: https://aynrandcentre.co.uk/membership/

The recent elections in America have triggered a polarising question: in the political division of Left and Right, is one side more evil than the other?Among the many who have opined on this issue is Dr. Andrew Bernstein, in his article titled: “The Left is Vastly More Evil than Religious Conservatives.” This has been a controversial take, particularly in the Objectivist community, where it has been met with both vehement agreement and strong opposition.However, a more essential question would be: does it matter whether one side of the political aisle is more evil than the other? To what extent, if any, are such identifications useful?Dr Bernstein's essay: https://www.capitalismmagazine.com/2021/01/the-left-is-vastly-more-evil-than-religious-conservatives/Consider supporting our work by becoming a member: https://aynrandcentre.co.uk/membership/

“If a man from Mars—that is, an objective, let us say, uncorrupted intelligence—looked at the spectacle of the economic history of the 19th century, he would conclude that the so-called “robber barons” were the greatest humanitarians, the greatest benefactors of mankind that had ever lived…” Ayn Rand, The “Robber Barons”In this radio interview from 1966, Ayn Rand defends the “robber barons” of the 19th century—industrialists who improved the standard of living of countless people. She also makes the case for distinguishing between successful businessmen who become rich by honest, versus dishonest means.Consider supporting our work by becoming a member: https://aynrandcentre.co.uk/membership/