The
Rational Argumentator
Issue CXCI
March 31 - April 27, 2009
Jesus and Substance:
G. Stolyarov II
March 31, 2009
A quasi-artistic satire of the behavior of those who insert Jesus into virtually every conversation. This image by Mr. Stolyarov depicts too much Jesus, and too little substance.
Culture
Evolution: Biological, Technological, and Societal:
G. Stolyarov II
April 2, 2009
The concept of evolution is all too frequently given insufficient attention by self-proclaimed proponents of liberty. However, writes Mr. Stolyarov, an understanding of biological, technological, and societal evolution – including the similarities and differences among these processes – is extremely helpful and perhaps indispensable for a full appreciation of the nature and benefits of individual liberty, free markets, and limited government.
Philosophy
Eden is an Illusion:
G. Stolyarov II
April 2, 2009
Many Western and non-Western cultures alike are contaminated by a highly dangerous idea with destructive consequences – the idea of man’s “fall” from some “higher” state – an Eden, if you will. Different groups holding this idea give it different incarnations – but the implications are the same. The myth of the Fall is detrimental to human ambition, flourishing, and improvement; it stifles attempts to find creative solutions to the dreadful problems that have been plaguing humankind since its very beginnings. But beyond being destructive, the
Atheism and Liberty: Compatible and Mutually Reinforcing:
G. Stolyarov II
April 4, 2009
Atheism, far from threatening the future survival of freedom or being irreconcilable with it, is compatible with individual liberty, free markets, and limited government. Moreover, atheism reinforces liberty by providing for the metaphysical realm what liberty provides for the political: the freedom of the individual from subjugation to the dictates of an arbitrary authority. Mr. Stolyarov explores some of the principal arguments for the mutually reinforcing status of atheism and liberty.
Politics
Against Pop-Conservatism:
G. Stolyarov II
April 1, 2009
A disturbing and dangerous ideological turn has overtaken a large portion of the American conservative movement during the past several decades and – more precipitously – during the past few years. This combination of anti-intellectualism, religious zealotry and intolerance, the desire to micro-regulate the personal lives of millions of Americans, and the abandonment of the ideas of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets can best be called pop-conservatism – characterized as it is by a populist appeal to the masses rather than a sophisticated appeal to the intelligent layman. Mr. Stolyarov discusses and refutes the mentality of pop-conservatism.
How to End the Violence: Legalize Drugs:
Heidi Schweizer
April 5, 2009
In this PowerPoint presentation, Heidi Schweizer discusses the social costs of the War on Drugs, common myths about drug use and the War on Drugs, and the benefits that would arise from legalizing drugs. She addresses the negative externalities of the War on Drugs and the profound immorality of this widespread use of governmental coercion.
Videos
Against Pop-Conservatism - Video - Part 1 of 4 - Joe Six-Pack:
G. Stolyarov II
April 27, 2009
Against Pop-Conservatism - Video - Part 2 of 4 - Abandonment of Liberty:
G. Stolyarov II
April 27, 2009
Against Pop-Conservatism - Video - Part 3 of 4 - Religious Intolerance:
G. Stolyarov II
April 27, 2009
Against Pop-Conservatism - Video - Part 4 of 4 - Insult and Invective:
G. Stolyarov II
April 27, 2009
"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it."
~ Thomas Jefferson
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