The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

Challenging the legitimacy of international laws of war, the podcast discusses how these laws undercut a nation's right to self-defense, sanitize war, and make it more palatable. They explore the flaws in the conception of international laws of war, the importance of civilian control over the military in a free country, and question the validity of international law itself. The podcast emphasizes the significance of following humanitarian law in all wars and examines the conflict between Israel and Hamas as an example.

The podcast discusses the ongoing struggle over reading education in the United States, highlighting the debate between phonics and whole language approaches. It explores the theory of funniks as a way to understand how adults read and the division between practitioners and advocates in the education system. The disconnect between teachers and long-term effects of teaching methods is also examined. The podcast concludes with optimism for reading education, emphasizing the need for involving parents and a systematic approach to teaching phonics.

Discusses self-defense, innocent deaths in war, and just war theory. Explores responsibility in self-defense and war, the connection between self-defense and ethical egoism, and the distinction between intention and foreseen consequences in targeting civilians.

An exploration of Iran's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its aggressive actions. The impact of the Iranian revolution on extremist groups. The consequences of US foreign policy and the betrayal of freedom in the Middle East. Grievances and the mentality of victory through death expressed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

Exploring the belief that technology is the key to human progress and the implications of this belief for tech leaders. Emphasizing the positive aspects of technology and innovation, and the importance of evaluating them positively. Exploring the rejection of progress by the new left and the importance of historical and philosophical perspectives. Analyzing different arguments on capitalism and socialism, competition, and monopolies.

In this episode of New Ideal Live, Onkar Ghate, Elan Journo, and Nikos Sotirakopoulos discuss the global protests in support of the Palestinian cause. They look at the philosophical motives of these protests and the nature of their moral bankruptcy, and they explain why the “anti-war” movement actually enables warfare and destruction. Among the topics covered: The protesters’ lack of positive goals; Nihilism as the driving motive behind the protests; How “anti-war” movements have historically dismissed the fundamental moral questions about war; Why any “anti-war” movement that does not oppose dictatorship is necessarily pro-war; How collectivism causes the callousness of the pro-Hamas activists; The nihilistic nature of the ideology of egalitarianism; Why outlawing support of Hamas would require moral clarity on a policy level; The right to refuse to deal with or support Hamas apologists. The podcast was recorded on October 25, 2023. Listen to the discussion below. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Watch archived podcasts here. https://youtu.be/8PMg6y9ZqHE Podcast audio:

Elan Journo and Nikos Sotirakopoulos debunk the lie of Israel stealing Palestinian land and provide historical and philosophical context. Topics covered include dishonest pre-1947 maps, UN partition plan, aftermath of the Six Day War, failure of land for peace strategy, and Arab states' refusal to pursue peace.

Analysis of the border crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, including the challenges faced by overwhelmed organizations and the impact on cities like New York and Chicago. Discussion on the significance of people on the terrorist watch list apprehended at the border. Critiques of calling it an 'invasion'. Exploration of cartels' involvement and the difference between asylum seekers and economic migrants. Discussion on rethinking the entire immigration system.

The podcast explores the ethical challenges of distinguishing between aggressors and innocent civilians in war, discussing the Middle East conflict. It examines the concepts of moral and causal responsibility, proportionality in war, and the impact of altruism on conflicts. The episode also includes appreciation and announcements from the hosts.

J. Robert Oppenheimer, theoretical physicist, and scientific director of the Los Alamos Laboratory, is the guest in this fascinating episode. They discuss Ayn Rand's research process for her atomic bomb screenplay, including interviews with Oppenheimer. The episode explores Rand's involvement in the unfinished movie and how it influenced a character in her novel, Atlas Shrugged.