By Ayn Rand
This download includes two 1962 radio lectures. In the first Ayn Rand introduces her philosophy of Objectivism, laying out the basic tenets and explaining why “America and capitalism are perishing.” The second examines Rand’s claim that rational men have no conflicts of interests. Using the example of two men competing for the same job, Rand examines the considerations that inform a rational person’s view of self-interest.
Introducing Objectivism
In 1962 Ayn Rand accepted an invitation to write a weekly column in the Los Angeles Times, and from events and controversies that have by now faded from the news, she was able to draw timeless lessons. The newspaper’s editors asked Rand to begin the series by writing a brief introduction to Objectivism, to serve as a base of knowledge for future columns. In this radio address, Rand reads aloud her first column and offers additional commentary. Rand lays out the tenets of her philosophy and argues that “America and capitalism are perishing for lack of a moral base.”
Elaborating on points raised in her column, Rand indicates Objectivism’s answers to basic questions of philosophy and addresses some common confusions, such as how to view emotions in relation to reason, the true nature of altruism and sacrifice, and the proper role of government and the use of physical force.
The “Conflicts” of Men’s Interests
In this radio address, Ayn Rand reads out loud her 1962 essay entitled “The ‘Conflicts’ of Men’s Interests” and offers additional commentary. Rand starts by raising a “typical” question that she has received: “Suppose two men apply for the same job. Only one of them can be hired. Isn’t this an instance of a conflict of interests, and isn’t the benefit of one man achieved at the price of the sacrifice of the other?”
Rand steps back to examine in depth the four interrelated considerations that inform a rational person’s view of self-interest. She then discusses her example, explaining how each of the considerations (reality, context, responsibility, and effort) bear on the issue whether two men competing for the same job have an actual conflict of interests.
(MP3 download; 52 min., 37.11 MB)
These talks are also available as free offerings at campus.aynrand.org. Introducing Objectivism: link. The "Conflicts" of Men's Interests: link.
The description of this product was written and/or edited by ARI staff.
