In this episode of "The Rational Egoist," host Michael Liebowitz engages in a thought-provoking discussion with guest Gerry Bourdeau on the much-debated topic: Is there objectivity in ethics, or is it all just whim and preference?

While religions have long claimed a monopoly on moral standards, it was Ayn Rand who offered a reasoned, philosophical foundation for morality. But what if we remove the assumption of free will from the equation? Would ethics still hold ground? Tune in as we delve into these questions, challenging conventional notions of morality and rationality.

Discussion Summary:Martin Seligman, in his book "Learned Optimism," alluded to religions as a basis for morality. However, it is Ayn Rand who provided a rigorous, logical framework for what morality truly is. The contentious question that served as the crux of the discussion between Michael and Gerry was whether ethics is rooted in objective standards or if it's merely driven by whim or individual preference.

Gerry Bourdeau questioned the very notion of free will. According to him, if free will is non-existent, the idea of ethics or moral standards becomes null and void. On such a premise, the conversation would have reached an impasse because, without free will, there can be no ethics or moral values.In contrast, Michael Liebowitz posited life as the standard for morality. When individuals opt for life, every subsequent choice either enhances their life or diminishes it.

Decisions dictate whether individuals are thriving or dying. Liebowitz further elaborated that humans possess consciousness and a rational mind that allows them to make choices. Animals, he argued, are driven mainly by instinct and innate behaviours.

Ayn Rand's philosophical contributions were also highlighted. She bridged the "is-ought" gap by reasoning that what an organism is inherently determines what it ought to do. In other words, our nature as rational beings outlines a clear course for ethical behaviour, moving it from the realm of subjective preference to objective necessity.

Don't miss this compelling episode as we navigate the labyrinth of ethics, free will, and the rational basis for making moral decisions.

Michael Leibowitz is a renowned philosopher, political activist, and the esteemed host of the Rational Egoist podcast. Inspired by the philosophical teachings of Ayn Rand, Leibowitz passionately champions the principles of reason, rational self-interest, and individualism, seeking to empower others through his compelling work.

Leibowitz is a versatile author, co-authoring the thought-provoking book titled "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime." This groundbreaking work delves into societal attitudes surrounding punishment and rehabilitation, shedding light on how misguided approaches have contributed to the rise of crime and recidivism.

Additionally, he has authored the book "View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty," offering an intimate portrayal of his personal journey while exploring the philosophies that influenced his transformation.

As you embark on your intellectual journey, join Michael Leibowitz as he advocates for reason, individualism, and the pursuit of self-interest, inspiring others to embrace a philosophy that empowers and uplifts the human spirit.

For a deeper exploration of his ideas and insights, don't miss the opportunity to read "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," co-authored by Michael Leibowitz. And also, delve into his book "View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty." Both books are available for purchase using the following links:"Down the Rabbit Hole": https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X"View from a Cage": https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj