April 07, 2023

The Rational Egoist: Exploring Constitutional Interpretation

49 minutes

The Rational Egoist is a podcast that delves into objectivist philosophy and its applications in various fields.

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews legal scholar Professor Richard Epstein to explore the question of whether constitutional interpretation should be based on original meaning. Michael argues that regulating immigration and drugs is unconstitutional, and that individual human rights are being ignored in favor of following legal procedures.

Epstein, however, contends that the legal system has to take a utilitarian approach due to its complexity and the need to follow precedences. The discussion delves into the role of individual rights in the legal system, the impact of public opinion on legal decisions, and the importance of sticking to the law versus principles. Through this engaging conversation, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of constitutional interpretation and the tensions between objectivism and utilitarianism in the legal system.

Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand.

Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.

Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest.

Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

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