Onkar Ghate in BusinessWeek debate

April 9, 2009 by Jeff Scialabba

Onkar Ghate took part in a BusinessWeek debate on whether Ayn Rand’s philosophy of rational self-interest is relevant to today. There’s a stark contrast in the attitude of the two sides regarding the seriousness of the issue, and it’s heartening to see from the comments that that fact has not been lost on many readers.

Here’s an excerpt from Dr. Ghate’s argument:

If Ayn Rand’s philosophy of rational self-interest is irrelevant today, then so is the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration gave sanction to selfishness: to the moral right to live your own life, to exercise your liberty, to pursue your happiness. No more taking orders from king or society. Each was free to live for himself.

You can read the rest here.