We have a duty to be selfish and any other behaviour is irrational. These were the thoughts of Ayn Rand, Russian-American novelist of the 1950s. Rand’s approach, which she labelled ‘Objectivism’, starts from the claim that there is an objective reality out there and that human beings understand it through reason not emotion. There is no God. We survive by pursuing our own rational self-interest.
Delve deeper into some of the themes raised
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Exploring Philosophy
Have you ever considered what being conscious actually means? By choosing to live in a particular state are you consenting to be subject to all its laws? For some there’s an assumption that philosophy might not be relevant to modern life but Dr. Nigel Warburton, senior lecturer in Philosophy at The Open University argues that many of us today are faced with philosophical questions such as these as we live our lives in the twenty first century. In this collection we ask academics to discuss these questions in addition to other important philosophical issues and concepts such as the morality of abortions and the reconciling a world with evil and a good God. This material forms part of The Open University course A222 Exploring philosophy.
Listen nowExploring PhilosophyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Ethics Bites podcast: The full series
David Edmonds and Nigel Warburton go in search of answers to the big ethical questions in this absorbing 14-part podcast.
Listen nowEthics Bites podcast: The full seriesLevel: 1 Introductory
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Philosophy: Justice and Morality
Although what constitutes justice may vary depending on culture or historical context, all forms of justice are built on a foundation of moral assumptions that include ideas about ethics, fairness and the law. Philosophers have often debated the nature of both morality and justice and their relationship with each other and in this collection we explore some of the most influential ideas on the topics from Kant to Bentham and investigate problems such as can inequalities be justified, provided they are to the benefit of the worst off? This material forms part of The Open University course A222 Exploring philosophy.
Listen nowPhilosophy: Justice and MoralityLevel: 1 Introductory
General philosophising
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Introducing philosophy
Ever wondered what it would be like to study philosophy? This free course, Introducing philosophy, will introduce you to the teaching methods employed and the types of activities and assignments you would be asked to undertake should you wish to study philosophy and the human situation.
Learn moreIntroducing philosophyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Choose your own philosophy adventure
'Castle, Forest, Island, Sea' is a choose-your-own-adventure story that explores key questions in philosophy. Where will your chosen path lead you?
Take part nowChoose your own philosophy adventureLevel: 1 Introductory
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Study at the OU: The arts past and present
A broad course that introduces the arts across a range of subject areas, including music, art, English, classics and history
Read moreStudy at the OU: The arts past and present -
Exploring Philosophy
Does God exist? Why should I act morally? Can I trust science? Should I obey laws I disagree with? Discover how philosophers have offered radically diverging answers to these and other questions.
Read moreExploring Philosophy
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