1. Objectivist philosopher of science John McCaskey is coming out with a new book, Induction: From Socrates to Popper. As long-time readers of this blog will recall, the last time an Objectivist came out with a book on induction, it nearly blew up the movement. In 2010, David Harriman published The Logical Leap, a work that was sponsored by Leonard Peikoff. McCaskey (who had ties to the ARI) criticized the book on Amazon and Peikoff had a fit. He threatened to break ties with the Ayn Rand Institute unless the ARI booted out McCaskey. That a book supported by Peikoff was on the same level as a book by Ayn Rand was a little too much for some Objectivists.
2. Objectivist writer Peter Schwartz urges Objectivists to vote Democratic across the board in the upcoming election. “Republicans are now in thrall to Trump. They make possible his dismissal of legal constraints. The only way to neutralize Trump, then, is through a Congress controlled by Democrats. Yes, even if they are ‘democratic socialists.’”
3. Recently Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a speech in Athens praising Western Civilization. Yaron Brook is typically irate, in particular because of Rubio’s praise for Christianity. Among other things, Brook seems unaware of the prevalence of slavery in Athens (some older authors going so far as to say the Athenian economy was built of slavery), the influence of religion on civic life, and the very restricted role of women. Brook rails against Rubio’s nationalism, again not knowing of the restrictive nature of Athen’s immigration policy. Recorded history goes back a long time and you can find lots of good and bad in most cultures. History is much more interesting (and complex) than the typical Objectivist talking points would lead you to believe.
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