Monthly Archives: November 2011

My book, Nozick’s Libertarian Project: An Elaboration and Defense (“NLP”), was just reviewed by Professor Matt Matravers for Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews: http://ndpr.nd.edu/news/27410-nozick-s-libertarian-project-an-elaboration-and-defense/. Set forth below is my analysis of his comments. To cut to the chase, while Matravers generally does a good job of describing my objectives and the thrust of my arguments in NLP, I have serious issues with a number of his substantive conclusions. Unless otherwise indicated, parenthetical references below are to my book. Continue Reading »

I am confident that my readers need no introduction to Ayn Rand. Although she abjured the label, she is clearly one of the leading figures in the history of the libertarian movement. She is famous for her Objectivist philosophy, outlined in such essays as “The Virtue of Selfishness” and, of course, in her novels. Her magnum opus, Atlas Shrugged, was a huge best seller during her lifetime and, remarkably, its popularity continues today, 54 years after its publication.

This brief essay will offer an appreciation of Rand’s contribution to our politics that differs from the usual accolades one hears from her devotees. Before going further, I should say that although I admire Rand, I am not a Randian. For the reasons outlined in my book, I do not find her Objectivist ethics–the foundation of her political philosophy–convincing. Continue Reading »