The Objectivity of Ethics (Show 090)

In response to my own request for the discussion, for Show 089 Mosley and Arthur consider the question: How does one validate the objectivity of ethics, namely life as the standard and ultimate value, as opposed to a standard that is arbitrarily chosen?

Topics include: the objectivity of ethics; life as the standard of value; two methods of approach on the issue; what gives rise to values; life as an end in itself; rational goals as dependent on the pursuit of life; subjectivism defined; ethical subjectivists and their arguments; the purpose of ethics; types of subjectivism; the relationship of happiness to ethics; what virtue is; the cardinal values and virtues; The Virtue of Selfishness & OPAR as useful resources; Objectivism & dogmatism; etc.

There was no show on the following Sunday, December 28th, but there will be this Sunday, January 4th. We hope to see you there, and Happy New Year!

Ayn Rand & The Economic Crisis (Show 089)

Because of technical difficulties with TalkShoe, Show 089 was relatively short. For the beginning of the show Mosley and caller joey23 discuss Newsweek’s interview with Dr. Yaron Brook on Objectivism and the economic crisis, noting its comments on Alan Greenspan, the mainstream publicity for Objectivism it offers, as well as its objectivity. Then, for the remainder of the show, they discuss the related issue of government regulation in the economy.

Man: Good or Evil? (Show 088)

On last week’s show on economic freedom, Mosley discussed a common argument against capitalism. The argument states that the capitalist assumes a mistaken view of human nature, namely, that given freedom, he will act morally. This led to the question, “Is man inherently good, evil, or neither?” that served as the main topic for this show.

Topics include: Thomas Hobbes and the view of man as a brute; man as neither inherently good nor evil; the reward and motivation for choosing to be good; contradictions in the Hobbesian view and argument for government intervention; altruism as wrongfully assumed as standard for whether man is good; the good as in man’s interest, but remains his choice; charities in a capitalist society; government “charity”/welfare parallel to FDA and regulatory institutions; cultural shift required for capitalism to work; example of paying tips at restaurant; capitalism in theory vs. practice; activism and successful argumentation; etc.

Economic Freedom (Show 087)

For this holiday weekend, Mosley hosts the show and discusses the issue of economic freedom in the context of today’s economic situation, with special focus on the auto industry.

Topic include: government bailout of the auto industry; the expression “too big to fail”; “are we all socialists now?” and the socialist trend in America; “bailout” and “aid” as buzzwords; learn from mistakes, don’t appease them; the role of unions; the industrial revolution; connection between economic and political freedom; separation between state and economics; legalization of drugs, prostitution, etc.; possible topic for next show: is man inherently good?

On the issue of being “too big to bail,” feel free to check out Alex Epstein’s article Too Big to Bail. Also related to the show, you can check out Yaron Brook’s article Are We All Socialists Now?.

The Morality of Gambling (Show 086)

Back from his trip to Seattle, Mosley returns this week to host the show. After querying the chat room for show topics, he and Arthur decide to discuss the morality of gambling.

Topics include: taking advantage of other people’s irrationality; gambling as not categorically immoral; gambling with false belief of luck vs. rational understanding or skill; gambling as possibly a form of rational recreation; gambling as skill or luck or combination of both; morality and responsibility of casino owners; analogy to bar owners and tobacco companies; fraud vs. asymmetric information; morality of card counting; stock markets and gambling; Arthur and Leonard Peikoff anecdote; playing the lotto.

Also, for those interested in the relevant topic of addiction, feel free to check out Show 056 where that is discussed (mp3, iTunes).