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 ...
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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.
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Level: 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 ...
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General philosophising
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Choose your own philosophy adventure
'Castle, Forest, Island, Sea' is a choose-your-own-adventure interactive that explores key questions in philosophy. Where will your chosen path lead you?
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Level: 1 Introductory
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Descartes: Introducing Dualism
Derek Matravers introduces Descartes and Dualism.
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Level: 1 Introductory
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The Life of Socrates
Who was Socrates? Find out what we know about his life.
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Level: 1 Introductory
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