

The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast
Ayn Rand Institute
The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 2min
Milei’s Election in Argentina: Is There an Ayn Rand Connection?
Javier Milei, a self-described 'libertarian' and newly elected president of Argentina, is discussed in relation to his connection with Ayn Rand's ideas. The podcast explores the political landscape in Argentina, Milei's journey towards embracing free markets, and the ideological principles that define his presidency.

Nov 26, 2023 • 43min
What Antisemitism Is
Explore the roots of anti-Semitism and its connection to a hatred of ability, achievement, success, and prosperity. Discover the causes of anti-Semitism, including envy, resentment, and the association of altruism with supporting the weak. Delve into Israel's identity as a Jewish and tribal country with enlightenment values. Examine the rise of tribalism, nationalism, populism, and anti-Semitism. Emphasize the importance of reestablishing values in education for a better future.

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 1min
Jordan Peterson’s Sophomoric Attack on Ayn Rand
Defenders of Ayn Rand, Onkar Ghate and Ben Bayer, challenge Jordan Peterson's critique of Rand's philosophy. They analyze Ayn Rand's characters in 'Atlas Shrugged', the concept of self-interest and responsibility, the relationship between the free market and axiomatic primacy, the clash between Greek rationality and Christianity in science, the limitations of Rand's work, and the essence of life in Rand's worldview.

Nov 19, 2023 • 56min
Ayaan Hirsi Ali Abandons Atheism for Christianity
Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a vocal critic of Islam, recently converted from atheism to Christianity. The podcast explores the role of fear and tribalism in shaping belief systems, the impact of tribalism on worldviews and religion, and the rational defense of morality. The speakers also discuss the importance of respecting science, critique atheist leaders for not defending moral truth, and highlight Ayn Rand's objectivism as a rational alternative to Enlightenment ideals.

Nov 17, 2023 • 41min
International Law vs. War
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.

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 10min
The Ongoing Debate Over Reading Education
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.

Nov 12, 2023 • 32min
The Morality of Self-Defense and Innocent Deaths in War
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.

Nov 10, 2023 • 30min
Why Iran Fuels the Mideast War
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.

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h
The Unstable Foundation of Marc Andreessen’s Techno-Optimism
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.

Nov 4, 2023 • 31min
Global Protests: Anti-war, or Pro-Hamas?
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:


