Libertarianism goes mainstrem on NPR.

[blindpig]

These days it can feel like the country is unsteady — politically, economically. In a search for the way forward, scholars and politicians often turn to their fundamental beliefs. NPR is taking a look at some of the most influential philosophers whose ideas molded the present and could shape the future. You might not know all their names, but you're certainly familiar with their ideas. They are woven into the fabric of our society.

You betcha, a rather fawning piece on Ayn Rand. Well, the ruling ideas of any epoch.....

http://www.npr.org/2011/11/14/142245...e-shrugged-off

The next installment promises to cover the hack Hayek, I ain't kidding.

[Kid of the Black Hole]

You betcha, a rather fawning piece on Ayn Rand. Well, the ruling ideas of any epoch.....

http://www.npr.org/2011/11/14/142245...e-shrugged-off

The next installment promises to cover the hack Hayek, I ain't kidding.

Hey BP, have you ever heard that Rand said that Kant was the most evil man ever? I think it followed along the same lines as Nietzsche branding him a worse terrorist than Robespierre. Pretty sure that explains my softspot for Kant becuase it sure ain't my love of reading him. That and and the ever handy"Genghis Khan but Immanuel Kant" joke.

[blindpig]

Hey BP, have you ever heard that Rand said that Kant was the most evil man ever? I think it followed along the same lines as Nietzsche branding him a worse terrorist than Robespierre. Pretty sure that explains my softspot for Kant becuase it sure ain't my love of reading him. That and and the ever handy"Genghis Khan but Immanuel Kant" joke.

Surprisingly yes, I have heard that, though I know not why. For her to give Kant top billing over Marx is something but if you got no love for reading him I sure as hell ain't going there. That stuff all looks like the half literate assembly manuals that come with many crappy products from China to me.

It is interesting that they would be promoting this stuff in these times, hmm? I recall Hunter S Thompson quoting John Mitchell in the seventies, something to the effect "In 30 years this country is going to be so conservative that you won't recognise the place."

Yeah, well, and after that, what?

[Kid of the Black Hole]

Surprisingly yes, I have heard that, though I know not why. For her to give Kant top billing over Marx is something but if you got no love for reading him I sure as hell ain't going there. That stuff all looks like the half literate assembly manuals that come with many crappy products from China to me.

It is interesting that they would be promoting this stuff in these times, hmm? I recall Hunter S Thompson quoting John Mitchell in the seventies, something to the effect "In 30 years this country is going to be so conservative that you won't recognise the place."

Yeah, well, and after that, what?

I *think* the only difference between Kant and Hegel in regards to being 'difficult' is that Hegel did it on purpose and Kant was just naturally like that. At any rate, Kant made every personal urge or desire or motivation subservient to "duty" (which is EXPRESSLY as abstract as it sounds). Imagine Rand's universe of isolated egos confronting that

[blindpig]

I *think* the only difference between Kant and Hegel in regards to being 'difficult' is that Hegel did it on purpose and Kant was just naturally like that. At any rate, Kant made every personal urge or desire or motivation subservient to "duty" (which is EXPRESSLY as abstract as it sounds). Imagine Rand's universe of isolated egos confronting that

On purpose? I allow for the derangement of philosophers but that is monstrous.

Yeah, that explains Kant's place on her shit plie all right.

[Kid of the Black Hole]

On purpose? I allow for the derangement of philosophers but that is monstrous.

Yeah, that explains Kant's place on her shit plie all right.

Hegel's rationale is that everyday commonplaces are actually very fuzzy and gray and leave much to be desired whereas he strives for a *much* higher level of clarity (if not conciseness). Thus, per Hegel -- he is the one who speaks clearly amidst a world of obfuscators.

Also note that for Kant, DESIRE to do one's duty was sublated (heh) to duty itself. Thus, there was more to praise in those who railed against duty but met their obligation anyway. It sorta kinda follows from Aristotles "Goodness by itself is not enough, there must also be an active capacity for doing good" (might be a paraphrase).

At any rate Kant definitely puts the Moral in 'moral philosophy'. Wish Nikos knew more about Kant because I have many questions -- but I'm pretty sure Nikos said he never studied him. I might ask Anax sometime, but I have a large backlog of things I need to run by him.