Free Thoughts

Eamonn Butler joins us to discuss his new book Ayn Rand: An Introduction. Why does Rand’s work remain so influential? Her thinking still has a profound impact, particularly on those who come to it through her novels, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead—with their core messages of individualism, self-worth, and the right to live without the impositions of others. Eamonn Butler is the Director of the Adam Smith Institute. In this episode, we discuss Ayn Rand, her work as a fiction author, and her fascinating life and history.  Further Readings/References:Find Ayn Rand: An Introduction now available on www.libertarianism.orgMore about Eamonn Butler.More about Ayn Rand.More on Objectivism.Excursions into Libertarian Thought - Series on Ayn Rand and Altruism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keith E. Whittington joins us this week to discuss his new book Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech. Whittington argues that universities must protect and encourage free speech because vigorous free speech is the lifeblood of the university.  We discuss free speech on campus, the use of trigger warnings and how universities can promote freedom of thought and ideological diversity.Further Readings/References:Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free SpeechMore work by Keith E. Whittington Campus Freedom - Free Thoughts PodcastCampus Censorship and the End of American Debate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter T. Leeson joins us to talk about his new book WTF?!: An Economic Tour of the Weird. Peter T. Leeson is the Duncan Black Professor of Economics and Law at George Mason University. We discuss some of the world’s strangest customs and behaviors; everything from convicting insects of crimes in a court of law to wife sales. How can this be rational economic behavior?Further Readings/References:WTF?!: An Economic Tour of the Weird by Peter T. LeesonMore work by Peter T. Leeson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Hasnas joins us this week to discuss the evolutionary process of common law. What is common law? Is it a completely random process? If common law is so great, why is there so much legislation?Further Readings/References:More about John Hasnas“Common Law” - The Encyclopedia of Libertarianism.orgNatural Law: Origins of Common Law Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radley Balko and Tucker Carrington join us to discuss forensic science and the criminal justice system. We also discuss structural racism, Mississippi’s inadequate death investigation system and the relationships between police, prosecutors and forensic scientists.Further Readings/References:The Cadaver King and the Country Dentist: A True Story of Injustice in the American SouthThe Changing Role of Criminal Law - Free Thoughts Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Timothy Sandefur joins us for a conversation on Frederick Douglass. We also discuss the abolitionist movement, Douglass’s relationship with President Abraham Lincoln and how Frederick Douglass fits in with subsequent leaders of the black civil rights movement. Timothy Sandefur is the author of Frederick Douglass: Self-Made Man. Further Readings/References:How Libertarians Ought to Think About the U.S. Civil War by Timothy SandefurFrederick DouglassSlavery in AmericaMore on Drapetomania Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay Schweikert and Clark Neily join us for a conversation on law enforcement and accountability. We also discuss qualified immunity and how technology is helping to combat police misconduct.The Problem of Police Misconduct - Free Thoughts Podcast Thin Blue Lies: How Pretextual Stops Undermine Police LegitimacyClark NeilyJay Schweikert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rick Doblin joins us to gives us a primer on the medical uses of psychedelics. Rick Doblin is the Founder and Executive Director for MAPS; the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. We discuss the War on Drugs, how those suffering from PTSD are benefiting from psychedelics and how the DEA could hinder the research surrounding psychedelics and marijuana.Rick DoblinMAPS - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic StudiesDrug Prohibition -  Encyclopedia of Libertarianism.orgIllicit Drugs - Encyclopedia of Libertarianism.orgChasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs - Free Thoughts Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Whaples joins us for a conversation on the Pope’s earnest call to build a truly compassionate society. Pope Francis’s fervent support for uplifting the poor and protecting the environment has inspired far-reaching discussions worldwide.  But what is the most effective way to fight poverty? And what value does a religious perspective offer in addressing moral, political, and economic problems?Further Readings/References:Pope Francis and the Caring SocietyRobert WhaplesLaudato si’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryan Caplan gives us the case against traditional education and how employers reward workers for costly schooling they rarely if ever use, and why cutting education spending is the best remedy. Why have decades of growing access to education have not resulted in better jobs for the average worker but instead in runaway credential inflation?Further Readings/References:The Case against EducationEncyclopedia of Libertarianism: EducationFree Thoughts Podcast: The Education ApocalypseFree Thoughts Podcast: The State of State Education More about Bryan Caplan’s work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.