Tag: philosophy
4 things you probably never knew about John Stuart Mill
May 16, 2023 | Post
John Stuart Mill was born 217 years ago, on May 20, 1806, and is remembered as one of the most foundational classical liberal philosophers and political economists to this day. Here are some things that you might not have guessed about John Stuart Mill.
Getting good results vs doing the right thing
May 15, 2023 | Post
Would you tell a lie to protect someone from harm?
Who was Ayn Rand?
February 27, 2023 | Post
Ayn Rand, a celebrated author and philosopher, was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. Known for her bestselling novels, such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Rand’s ideas have had a profound impact on the fields of politics, economics, and philosophy.
What are the limits of ideology?
February 17, 2023 | Post
Ideology — that is, a system of beliefs that are baked into our perception of the world — serves important functions in human society. It can provide context to problems, foster a sense of belonging and community, and in some cases even inspire hope. But what are the limits of ideology?
7 Ayn Rand quotes for living a fulfilling life
February 14, 2023 | Post
Central to Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism is the idea that each of us should hold our own personal happiness as our highest moral purpose. Here are a selection of Ayn Rand quotes for living a fulfilling life…
What is capitalism?
February 8, 2023 | Post
Capitalism can be viewed as an economic system that has been a driving force in many advanced economies, fostered growth and innovation, enabled people to lift themselves out of poverty, and greatly improved living standards. But it also has many staunch critics, who will argue that, regardless of outcomes or track records, it is a deeply harmful and exploitative system. So, to clear up any confusion, what really is capitalism, and what isn’t it?
Happy Birthday Ayn Rand
February 2, 2023 | Post
Ayn Rand, one of the most influential pro-liberty minds of the 20th century, was born 118 years ago today. Considered to be a novelist and philosopher in equal measure, she promoted Objectivism, her philosophical system, through many works of both fiction and nonfiction.
Why does liberty work?
January 19, 2023 | Post
Advocating for liberty is both idealistic and realistic. What is it that makes liberty “work” in a way that central planning cannot?
Review: ‘How the Force Can Fix the World,’ by Stephen Kent
January 10, 2023 | Post
In “How the Force Can Fix the World”, Stephen Kent explores how Star Wars themes can be applied to our current political and cultural landscape. A thought-provoking and compelling read for fans of Star Wars and for those looking for a new perspective on real-world issues.
Is AI our generation’s nuclear fission?
December 20, 2022 | Post
Developments in AI, such as the recent creation of ChatGPT, can be seen as world-changing in ways that should not be taken lightly. However, it clearly has immense potential for humanity, so long as we choose the right path. What are the parallels between the advent of nuclear fission and the rise of AI?
Five myths about Ayn Rand and Objectivism
October 14, 2022 | Post
Objectivism is consistently mischaracterized and stereotyped in popular media, and is blamed as responsible for any right-leaning political development. Here are five common myths that you may have heard about Ayn Rand.
Western cultural myths about China prevent us from seeing reality
October 1, 2022 | Post
Just because something’s ancient doesn’t mean it’s wise. And just because Confucius (or even some other thinker of renown — even if that’s Ludwig von Mises!) said something, doesn’t mean it’s beyond reproach.
Neoliberalism and libertarianism
August 9, 2022 | Post
Neoliberalism and libertarianism share many common principles despite meaning different things to different people. But what is neoliberalism in reality — and how does it relate to classical liberalism and libertarianism?
Why libertarians oppose fraud — in 300 words
April 4, 2022 | Post
Libertarians believe in negative rights and oppose infringements on people’s autonomy, but how does this work with cases of fraud?
What makes Ayn Rand so significant
February 28, 2022 | Post
When we think of terms such as capitalism, individualism, or selfishness, one name comes to mind: Ayn Rand. But what makes Rand so significant?
What kind of Libertarian are you?
December 16, 2021 | Video
If you feel constrained by the Democrat/Republican, liberal/conservative divide, you might be a Libertarian. And if that’s the case, Learn Liberty’s wide-ranging Philosophy 201 & 202 courses is for you.
In this introductory video, Peter Jaworski, Assistant Teaching Professor at Georgetown University, and Chris Freiman, Associate Professor at William and Mary University lay out a brief syllabus, defining Libertarianism as a political philosophy that regards individual liberty as the morally appropriate and legitimate priority for political institutions.
Objectivism: a philosophical defense of liberty
October 22, 2021 | Post
To make a coherent defense of liberty, it is important not to neglect the philosophical and moral considerations that underpin our individual rights.
Happy birthday to René Descartes, father of methodological skepticism
March 31, 2017 | Post
Once he entered the intellectual fray, things would never be the same.
Was Jeremy Bentham a Classical Liberal at heart?
February 15, 2017 | Post
Jeremy Bentham was born on Feb. 15th, 1748, in Spitalfields, England. One of the main early advocates of utilitarianism — the ethical view that, roughly, an act is right insofar as it promotes happiness, and wrong insofar as it does not — he is best known for his view that “it is the greatest happiness […]
Immanuel Kant: Philosopher of Freedom
February 2, 2017 | Post
Kant was self-consciously an Enlightenment liberal who believed in limited government and maximum freedom.
Everybody missed the point of Westworld
January 17, 2017 | Post
Westworld is first and foremost a depiction of the corrosive nature of total power — an illustration of Lord Acton’s quote that “absolute power corrupts absolutely” — as seen through the character of Dr. Robert Ford.
Liberalism reconstructed for a world divided
December 31, 2016 | Post
So 2016 is limping to an end with an assassination of an ambassador, another “inspired” attack on innocents at a Christmas market, and the formal election of a master crony-capitalist to the office of the presidency of the United States.
13 books every well-rounded libertarian should read
December 27, 2016 | Post
There are books that every libertarian should read and books every libertarian has read, but those circles don’t perfectly overlap. Here are 13 diverse book recommendations for well-rounded thinkers.
What makes a person a person?
December 26, 2016 | Post
Personhood is a moral concept, related to the notion of individuality.