The Self-Made Soul: Objectivism, Ethics, and Ayn Rand | Don Watkins | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #35

🔍 Overview: In this episode of The Socratic Sessions, Samuel Devis speaks with Don Watkins, author of Effective Egoism, about Objectivism, Ayn Rand’s ethics, and the moral case for rational self-interest. Don explains how Rand’s philosophy challenges conventional morality and redefines happiness as a life built on values, reason, and purpose.

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🗣️ Highlights
[Highlight 1]: Can self-interest be the foundation for a meaningful life?
[Highlight 2]: Why does Ayn Rand oppose altruism, and what does it mean for ethical living?
[Highlight 3]: How can Objectivism shape the way we approach capitalism and personal happiness?

🕒 Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction
2:12 - Don Watkins and Philosophy
3:29 - Objectivism
5:52 - Effective Egoism
7:38 - Philosophy as a Tool
10:09 - Theistic Arguments from Reason
12:55 - Sacrificing Values
15:33 - Why Altruistic Sacrifice is Wrong
22:24 - Being Worthy and Capable of Happiness
28:04 - Why Organised Religion Fails...
31:32 - Self-Interest
37:08 - Forgiveness
44:39 - Critics of Ayn Rand
49:16 - Engaging with Rand's Writing
53:56 - Capitalism and Moral Heuristics
58:07 - Rand's Intellectual Influences
59:24 - Happiness
1:06:57 - Morality
1:14:23 - Love & Self-Interest
1:19:41 - Self-Esteem
1:21:37 - Closing Remarks

📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)
Effective Egoism by Don Watkins: https://amzn.to/43tKcx0
Website: https://www.donswriting.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/donswriting
Substack: https://theatlascircle.substack.com/
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand: https://amzn.to/3EIT1ZE
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand: https://amzn.to/3EGlvU4
Anthem by Ayn Rand: https://amzn.to/4ixZ9lh
We the Living by Ayn Rand: https://amzn.to/3YTF7e3

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#objectivism #aynrand #ethics #egoism #atlasshrugged #howardroark #dagnytaggart #johngalt #rand #fountainhead #philosophy