

The Rational Egoist
The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz
The Rational Egoist podcast aims to explore the philosophy of rational egoism and how it can be applied in our daily lives. Hosted by Michael Liebowitz and produced by Xenia Ioannou with experts in the field of philosophy, psychology, and economics, the podcast will provide listeners with a wealth of knowledge and insight into the benefits of rational egoism.
Copyright of all audio, printed material and colour schemes including logos, owned exclusively by Michael Liebowitz and Xenia Ioannou and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission
Copyright of all audio, printed material and colour schemes including logos, owned exclusively by Michael Liebowitz and Xenia Ioannou and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 23, 2023 • 33min
The Rational Egoist - Understanding Prison Computations and the Failures of Rehabilitation Programs with Michael Liebowitz and Carlos Rebollo
The Rational Egoist - Understanding Prison Computations and the Failures of Rehabilitation Programs
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Carlos Rebollo on the topic of prison sentence computations and the failures of rehabilitation programs. The discussion focuses on the psychology of criminal behavior and the need for proper psychological frameworks in designing effective rehabilitation programs. The conversation also delves into the challenges with the computation of prison sentences, including the lack of clear criteria for reductions and the failure of government-led collective efforts in treating criminal behavior. Carlos shares his own experiences of rehabilitation and highlights the importance of fostering the correct objective psychology and morality in the process. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to gain insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for more effective approaches to reform.

Mar 22, 2023 • 32min
Unraveling the War on Drugs: A Perspective on Individual Rights and Consequences - Michael Liebowitz and Jacob Sullum
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Rational Egoist, where host Michael Liebowitz delves into thought-provoking topics from a rational perspective. In this episode, Michael is joined by renowned journalist and author Jacob Sullum to discuss the controversial and complex issue of the War on Drugs.The conversation explores the unintended consequences of drug prohibition and its impact on individual rights and freedom.
Our hosts examine how prohibiting people from taking drugs leads to the imposition of taxes on drugs, driving up costs and reducing accessibility for those who may require them for legitimate medical purposes.Jacob and Michael also discuss how the prohibition of drugs forces manufacturers to create concentrated and adulterated versions, often laced with other substances to avoid detection.
This not only poses a significant risk to users but also fuels a dangerous black market that operates outside the bounds of safety regulations and oversight.Furthermore, they shed light on how the War on Drugs restricts the medical use of certain substances, preventing doctors from prescribing potentially beneficial treatments to their patients.
This overreach of government intervention in healthcare decisions ultimately leads to errors and suboptimal patient outcomes.Join Michael Liebowitz and Jacob Sullum as they dissect the complexities of the War on Drugs from a rational lens, advocating for rational self-interest and individual liberty

Mar 21, 2023 • 42min
How Injecting Money into the Economy Impacts Market Sustainability with Michael Liebowitz and Prof. Murray Sabrin
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Murray Sabrin, an emeritus professor of finance and author of several books, including "Health Care: Navigating the Boom/Bust Cycle" and "From Immigrant to Public Intellectual: An American Story." They discuss how injecting money into the economy impacts and manipulates the markets artificially, leading to unsustainable boom and bust cycles. Sabrin argues that taxes, spending, regulation, and subsidies have ruined the economy, leading to an economic fascism in America where the government tells people what to do with their own properties. The distortion of the economy created by the Federal Reserve is not based on organic growth and is therefore not sustainable, leading us towards fascism. Tune in to this thought-provoking discussion on the impact of government intervention on the economy.

Mar 19, 2023 • 33min
Secession in America: A Rational Egoist Perspective
In this episode of "The Rational Egoist" podcast, hosts Michael Liebowitz and Andy Duncan delve into the contentious topic of secession in America. Is it possible for a state or group of individuals to legally secede from the Union without violating individual rights? Michael explores this question from an objectivist perspective, examining the principles of individual freedom and the right to rebel against tyrannical governments if you are an individual or consenting group of individuals, but cautions that forced secession violates the very principle that it is based on and that is individual human rights. Moreover, the hosts explore the role of individuals in shaping society through a consistent and principled message. Can one person or a small group of individuals make a significant impact on society by advocating for their beliefs and values? The hosts examine the power of persuasion and the importance of a clear, consistent message in effecting change.Tune in to "The Rational Egoist" podcast to explore the complex and provocative topic of secession in America from a rational, individualist perspective.

Mar 19, 2023 • 50min
The Rational Egoist: Exploring Inherent Rights and Human Nature with James Valliant
In this episode of "The Rational Egoist" podcast, Michael Liebowitz interviews James Valliant to delve into the philosophy of Objectivism and its applications in daily life.Valliant explains Ayn Rand's philosophy that rights are inherent to human nature and not granted by society or government. He highlights how every individual has the right to life, liberty, and property by virtue of their existence as a rational being.Liebowitz and Valliant discuss the Objectivist perspective on morality, which is grounded in the objective standard of life. They explain how individuals must act in a way that promotes their own life and flourishing while respecting the rights of others. Reason, the ability to think abstractly and logically, is the fundamental means of knowing beyond a perceptual level and the most critical tool for survival.The podcast also explores the crucial role of freedom in the operation of reason. Liebowitz and Valliant emphasize how a loss of freedom not only eliminates the ability to reason but also contributes to developing long-term psychological effects.The speakers also discuss the topic of criminals and their anti-conceptual mentality. They explain how criminals lack ethics and act without regard for the rights of others, whereas rational egoists recognize the importance of respecting the rights of others as a means of promoting their own self-interest.This podcast with Michael Liebowitz and James Valliant offers an insightful exploration of Objectivism and its applications in daily life. Their discussion aims to inspire individuals to live according to the principles of rational self-interest and individualism while respecting the rights of others.

Mar 18, 2023 • 44min
Socialist to Capitalist - A Journey of Reason and Logic - The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz and Andy Duncan
From Socialist to Capitalist - A Journey of Reason and Logic | The Rational Egoist
In this insightful interview, Michael Liebowitz, The Rational Egoist, sits down with Andy Duncan, a former socialist turned capitalist. Andy shares his personal journey of transformation from blindly accepting socialist ideology to becoming a capitalist through the use of induction, observation, and logical reasoning.Throughout the interview, Andy reflects on his previous beliefs in socialism and how he realized that the ideology lacked objective truth and could not stand up to rational scrutiny. He highlights how books like "Eat the Rich" fell short in comparison to works based on objective truth, such as those by Ayn Rand and Ludwig von Mises.The conversation dives deep into the principles of capitalism and the role of reason and logic in shaping economic systems. Andy shares his insights on the value of individualism, entrepreneurship, and free-market competition in driving innovation and progress.This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the power of reason and logic in shaping our beliefs and economic systems. Join Michael and Andy in this fascinating conversation that is sure to challenge and inspire you.

Mar 17, 2023 • 36min
Is Secession predicated on individual Rights? Michael Liebowitz and Lance Leduc
Individuals have the right to secede from a tyrannical government that is violating their fundamental rights and freedoms. However, the practicalities of secession can be complex and challenging and state secession may violate the vary principles of freedom that it is based on. In this Video Lance Leduc and Michael Liebowitz discuss the complex practicalities involved in secession

Mar 15, 2023 • 39min
Breaking Through the Overton Window: A Discussion on Economics, Philosophy, and Law with Dr. David Friedman part 1 of 2
Breaking Through the Overton Window: A Discussion on Economics, Philosophy, and Law with Dr. David Friedman
In this video and podcast, Michael Liebowitz, the rational egoist, interviews Dr. David Friedman, a renowned economist, legal scholar, and political philosopher. The discussion covers a range of topics, including economics, political philosophy, criminal law, and the Overton Window.
The conversation delves into the principles of rational egoism and how they relate to economics and political philosophy. Dr. Friedman shares his insights on the role of government in a free market economy, the ethics of self-interest, and the limits of state power.
The discussion also explores criminal law and the justice system, with Dr. Friedman offering his views on the shortcomings of the current system and potential solutions for reform.
One of the highlights of the conversation is the discussion of how to break through the Overton Window, which refers to the range of policies and ideas that are considered acceptable in mainstream discourse. Dr. Friedman shares his strategies for challenging the status quo and expanding the range of ideas that are considered viable in the public discourse.
Overall, this video and podcast provides a thought-provoking and informative discussion on economics, philosophy, and law, offering valuable insights from a rational perspective

Mar 15, 2023 • 5min
Breaking Through the Overton Window: A Discussion on Economics, Philosophy, and Law with Dr. David Friedman part 2 of 2
Breaking Through the Overton Window: A Discussion on Economics, Philosophy, and Law with Dr. David Friedman
In this video and podcast, Michael Liebowitz, THE RATIONAL EGOIST, interviews Dr. David Friedman, a renowned economist, legal scholar, and political philosopher. The discussion covers a range of topics, including economics, political philosophy, criminal law, and the Overton Window.
The conversation delves into the principles of rational egoism and how they relate to economics and political philosophy. Dr. Friedman shares his insights on the role of government in a free market economy, the ethics of self-interest, and the limits of state power.
The discussion also explores criminal law and the justice system, with Dr. Friedman offering his views on the shortcomings of the current system and potential solutions for reform.
One of the highlights of the conversation is the discussion of how to break through the Overton Window, which refers to the range of policies and ideas that are considered acceptable in mainstream discourse. Dr. Friedman shares his strategies for challenging the status quo and expanding the range of ideas that are considered viable in the public discourse.
Overall, this video and podcast provides a thought-provoking and informative discussion on economics, philosophy, and law, offering valuable insights from an educated and rational perspective

Mar 13, 2023 • 16min
What makes good politics
In this podcast, Michael Liebowitz explores the various political structures and minimum wage restrictions from an objectivist view point