Ayn Rand - What Is Capitalism? (full course)

This 1967 lecture is Ayn Rand’s flagship talk on capitalism. In it she explains in depth what capitalism is, why it is often misunderstood and why it is the only social system consonant with man’s nature. She discusses the philosophical and ethical roots of capitalism, and contrasts them with the moral-philosophic doctrines that lead to rule by force. She then discusses progress under capitalism and how it is fundamentally different from the so-called progress of a statist society. Along the way, Rand takes up such questions as:

• What is the essence of man’s nature?
• What is the fundamental basis for the concept of individual rights?
• How is capitalism consonant with man’s nature? Why are other social systems not consonant with it?
• Why is serving “the common good” not a sound principle for governing a free society?
• What are the different perspectives on “the good,” and how do they inform people’s views on what constitutes a proper social system?
• What has been the ethical basis of all tyrannies in history?
• Who prospers on a free market?
• How does a free market unleash man’s creative abilities?
• What is so often misunderstood about progress under capitalism?

This talk is excerpted from Rand’s substantially longer and more comprehensive essay of the same name. Students interested in mastering Rand’s views on capitalism are encouraged to study the full essay, available here, in addition to enjoying this course.

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ARI offers educational experiences, based on Ayn Rand's books and ideas, to a variety of audiences, including students, educators, policymakers and lifelong learners. ARI also engages in research and advocacy efforts, applying Rand's ideas to current issues and seeking to promote her philosophical principles of reason, rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism. We invite you to explore how Ayn Rand viewed the world — and to consider the distinctive insights offered by ARI's experts today.

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