The Philosophy of Racism

Join us for a discussion of Ayn Rand’s essay on racism.
Despite this essay being written at the height of the civil rights movement in 1963, this topic is still as pressingly relevant in people’s minds as it ever has been. But how should we think about racism? What is it exactly? Is Capitalism the cause of racism? Or is Capitalism part of the cure? These questions among others are what Rand considers in the essay.

Rand writes in the essay:
“Like every form of determinism, racism invalidates the specific attribute which distinguishes man from all other living species: his rational faculty. Racism negates two aspects of man’s life: reason and choice, or mind and morality, replacing them with chemical predestination.”

The essay may be found in the collection, The Virtue of Selfishness. However, here is a link to an online version of the essay: https://ari.aynrand.org/.../gov.../individual-rights/racism/

If you don't have the time to read the essay, you can look through the lexicon entry for "Racism": http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/racism.html

We will be meeting in the Pleasance Cafe as per usual. Look out for a table with some Ayn Rand books on them!

We look forward to seeing you all this coming Sunday!