The Rational Egoist

The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz
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May 3, 2023 • 54min

The Rational Egoist: Exploring the Differences Between Conservatism and Libertarianism with Joe Markley

The Rational Egoist: Exploring the Differences Between Conservatism and Libertarianism with Joe Markley In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz interviews Joe Markley, former Connecticut state senator, on the differences between conservatism and libertarianism. They delve into the fundamental principles of libertarianism, which prioritize the protection of individual rights and property. They contrast this with conservatism's emphasis on tradition and preservation of the status quo.The conversation touches on various issues, including qualified immunity, zoning laws, minimum wage, the war on drugs, and immigration. They discuss how these policies impact individual liberty and minority groups, and how they are often grounded in a collectivist attitude.Joe Markley highlights how conservatism sometimes struggles to identify the root cause of problems and is therefore less effective in addressing them. Meanwhile, libertarianism's focus on individualism and property rights allows for a more comprehensive approach to policy-making. Tune in to The Rational Egoist to gain insights on the philosophical differences between conservatism and libertarianism and how they inform policies that affect our daily lives. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 28, 2023 • 40min

The Rational Egoist: The Case Against Protectionism and the Path to Laissez-Faire Capitalism

The Rational Egoist: The Case Against Protectionism and the Path to Laissez-Faire Capitalism In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews James Hohman, Director of Fiscal Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, to discuss the detrimental effects of protectionism on free trade and the economy. They delve into the definition and examples of protectionism and its anti-capitalist nature. The conversation explores the importance of wealth through goods and services being traded and how protectionism can hinder this exchange. The discussion shifts to the steps that can be taken to help countries move towards more capitalism, with a focus on incremental change and the ultimate goal of laissez-faire capitalism. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the case against protectionism and the path towards a more prosperous economy. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand.    Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.    Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest.    Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 28, 2023 • 44min

The Rational Egoist: Exploring the Link between Irrationality and Nihilism in Today's Culture with Dave Goodman

The Rational Egoist: Exploring the Link between Irrationality and Nihilism in Today's Culture with Dave Goodman Description: Join Michael Liebowitz in this episode of The Rational Egoist as he interviews Dave Goodman, delving into the root cause of the nihilistic nature of our culture. They discuss the profound impact of irrationality on the rise of nihilism, and how the wrong or bad philosophy can fuel this negative trend. They also examine the role of reason in rationalizing one's life and avoiding bad results, as well as the importance of the principle of non-contradiction in upholding individual rights. Listen in as they shed light on the dangers of subjectivism and the chaos that results from embracing contradiction. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 26, 2023 • 38min

The Rational Egoist: Understanding Transgender Identity with Ashley Stahl

The Rational Egoist: Understanding Transgender Identity with Ashley Stahl In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Ashley Stahl, a transgender woman, to discuss the objective definition of words and whether a trans woman is actually a woman. Ashley shares her personal journey of transformation, living with gender dysphoria, and making the choice to transition into a gender that aligns with her identity. The discussion delves into how society can accept and include individuals with gender dysphoria, as well as the effects of online bullying and the importance of treating individuals with respect and dignity. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of transgender identity and how to approach this topic with objectivity and compassion. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.
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Apr 25, 2023 • 39min

The Rational Egoist: Exploring the Philosophical Implications of Covid Policies with Gabrielle Bauer

In this episode of The Rational Egoist Podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Gabrielle Bauer, the author of the book Blindsight is 2020, about Covid dissidents and the philosophical implications of Covid policies. T hey delve into the idea that socialism has turned science into a religion to follow instead of realizing that science is based on information that is constantly changing. They discuss how individualism was not considered in the Covid policies, which led to both vaccine mandates and delays, ultimately resulting in government intervention on both sides. The conversation also touches on the shaming and bullying that occurred during the pandemic, as people were judged and put into boxes based on their mask-wearing habits. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of philosophy and Covid policies. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 25, 2023 • 40min

The Rational Egoist - Evidence-based Correction Practices to Reduce Recidivism with Debi Koetzle

The Rational Egoist - Evidence-based Correction Practices to Reduce Recidivism In this episode of The Rational Egoist podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Professor Debi Koetzle, author of "What Works and What Doesn’t in Recidivism." Together, they discuss evidence-based correction practices to reduce recidivism, or the likelihood of reoffending. They delve into the core issues behind criminal behaviour, addressing criminogenic needs, and the importance of cognitive behavioural therapy to promote prosocial behaviour. They also debunk ineffective correctional practices, such as inconsistent punishment and empty praise, and highlight the value of accountability in reforming offenders. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on reducing recidivism and promoting positive change. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 21, 2023 • 43min

The Rational Egoist Podcast with Michael Liebowitz: The Constitutionality of Immigration Laws with Professor Ilya Somin

The Rational Egoist Podcast with Michael Liebowitz: The Constitutionality of Immigration Laws with Professor Ilya Somin In this episode of The Rational Egoist Podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Professor Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, on the constitutionality of immigration laws. They delve into the fact that there is nothing in the Constitution that gives the government the right to regulate or restrict immigration, and that this assumption is inferred to exist from the government's sovereign power. They also discuss the origins of immigration laws, such as the indentured servitude contract that many immigrants had to sign in the past, and the unconstitutional Chinese exclusion laws that were based on racist fears. They argue that people crossing borders should not be restricted because they have individual human rights and the right to pursue a better life in another country. Furthermore, they debunk common myths about immigrants, such as the assumption that they will automatically receive citizenship or overburden the welfare state. They point out that citizenship and immigration are separate issues, and that immigrants are restricted from receiving welfare benefits for a certain period of time. They also argue that the welfare state is unconstitutional, as it uses the labor of one person to pay for another, and that restrictions on welfare eligibility should apply to everyone, not just immigrants. They also address the fears that people have regarding immigration, such as drug trafficking and overburdening the welfare state. They argue that these fears are unfounded, as individuals cannot be assumed to be drug dealers without conviction and statistics have shown that immigrants produce more than they use in terms of welfare benefits. They also point out that many immigrants have contributed to the economy through innovation and entrepreneurship. Finally, they argue that limiting the power of government to both grant welfare and reduce immigration is the better argument, and that people have the inalienable right to seek a better life. They criticize the government's use of power to force people to live in oppressive situations, such as Venezuela and Cuba, and stress the importance of individual human rights and freedoms Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 20, 2023 • 51min

Rational Egoist Podcast: Ludwig von Mises and the Failure of Socialism

Rational Egoist Podcast: Ludwig von Mises and the Failure of Socialism In this episode of Rational Egoist podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Dr. Mark Thornton, a senior fellow with the Ludwig von Mises Institute and an American economist of the Austrian school. Dr. Thornton provides a free audiobook titled "The Skyscraper Curse" for subscribers, which can be accessed through this link: https://mises.org/library/skyscraper-curse. The conversation centers on Ludwig von Mises' economic theories and their application to socialism. The discussion covers how government intervention, such as manipulating the money supply and price controls, misleads entrepreneurs and puts investors and capitalists at personal risk. The Great Depression is also analysed, with government intervention being blamed for its cause, not capitalism. The mainstream media is discussed for its sensationalism and misrepresentation of real economics as it is not in the business of educating the masses on economics and will just spread misinformation regarding socialist ideologies. Dr. Thornton explains that the federal reserve paints a false picture that more regulation and intervention are needed when a free market capitalist economy is the only solution. Mises demonstrated that socialism does not work, not even in theory, as a free market economy requires private property and the exchange of value through prices. Socialism uses up resources, while capitalism produces more resources and creates new things. The failure of communism is examined, with the Soviet Union collapsing due to one central control guessing what is needed instead of measuring supply and demand through prices. The Rational Egoist podcast offers a thought-provoking discussion on economics from the perspectie of Ludwig Von Mises . Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 20, 2023 • 38min

Exploring the Merits of Ranked Choice Voting in America with Michael Liebowitz and Jonathan Bydlak

Exploring the Merits of Ranked Choice Voting in America In this episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Jonathan Bydlak, the Director of Governance at the R Street Institute, to discuss the potential benefits of implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) in American elections. The conversation covers a range of topics, including how RCV works, the history of its use in other countries, and the potential impact it could have on American politics. Bydlak explains how RCV can lead to more accurate representation of voters' preferences, reduce the impact of negative campaigning, and foster a more collaborative political environment. Liebowitz and Bydlak also discuss the challenges of implementing RCV in the United States and how advocates can build momentum for this important electoral reform. Whether you're a seasoned political wonk or simply interested in learning more about the mechanics of democracy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the merits of ranked choice voting. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.
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Apr 19, 2023 • 51min

The Rational Egoist: How Different Countries Handled COVID-19 - Michael Liebowitz and Jonathan Miltimore

The Rational Egoist: How Different Countries Handled COVID-19 In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Jonathan Miltimore about the various approaches countries took in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. From Sweden's no-lockdown policy to Finland and Norway's less restrictive measures, they discuss the impact of government control and politicisation of the pandemic response. The conversation delves into how mandates affected people's liberties and livelihoods, the role of the media in shaping the narrative, and how this led to the spread of conspiracy theories and false information about vaccines. Listen now for a great perspective on the pandemic response. Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

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