Philosophy Q & A

Over the years, The Atlas Society has received tens of thousands of questions about philosophy, politics, culture and economics via our website and various social media outlets. Below we’ve collected some of those questions and answers provided by our faculty and staff, with links to additional resources for each topic.

If a human is born with inalienable rights that were given to him by his creator, how do you explain natural rights with an atheist viewpoint?

How do Objectivists respond to those who believe in an anthropomorphic God, Satan, heaven, hell, and a soul, supported only by faith and a belief in myth?

What is the Objectivist view of the art of magic and illusion (as a performance art)? It seems to me that there might be a conflict between the mysticism that magic is based on and the Objectivist's moral code. Is there?

What is the Objectivist view of law and government?

I have a cluster of questions centered around understanding how the military would function and be maintained. Your FAQ on "What is the Objectivist View of Law and Government (Politics)?" states "There must be a military force for defense against external enemies."

What does Objectivism consider to be art?

Are there absolute truths in morality, that is, can a scientific criterion be applied to morality?

What do you think is the best solution to future unemployment once companies replace workers with machines?

What’s the thin line between capitalism, cronyism, and corporatism?

Could you say that this country was based on the work of slaves, and that it gave us an advantage over other countries?

Do you believe it's an immigrant's obligation to assimilate?

What is your favorite Ayn Rand work?

How does Max Stirner’s egoism compare to Objectivism?

Is there anything salvageable in the entirety of Marx's works?

State Capitalism, a valid term or an oxymoron?

Was Christianity responsible for the decline of the classical world?

Were the Founding Fathers Capitalists?

How does Free Will manifest itself in human nature?

What is the greatest aspect of Capitalism?

What is the Objectivist view on States' Rights?

Are there some similarities between Stoicism and Objectivism?

Is truth in the eye of the beholder, or is there an absolute truth?

Why did Rand focus her criticism on Kant so much compared to others?

If the pursuit of happiness is one of our goals, what if a person enjoys being altruistic?

What is the biggest problem facing society?

We promote open Objectivism: the philosophy of reason, achievement, individualism, and freedom.

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