Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Robertas Bakula interviews Dr. Onkar Ghate, the author of the new book The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand, peeking into the themes explored in the essay collection, including the literary essence and profound moral idealism found within Ayn Rand's fiction.
● [0:00] Introduction
● [1:20] Fiction vs. Philosophical Propaganda
● [7:05] The Moral Ideals in Dramatic Fiction
● [10:43] Superhuman Character Misconceptions
● [22:00] Admiration vs. Compassion
● [28:50] Metaphysical Irrelevance of evil
● [40:38] The Death Premise
● [51:04] Dramatization of Moral Principles
Resources:
● Onkar Ghate, The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand [amazon.com/Moral-Idealism-Ayn-Rand-Shrugged/dp/1968832009]
● Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged [https://a.co/d/0ibDSbXY]
● Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead [https://a.co/d/00bZj38z]
● Ayn Rand, We the Living [https://a.co/d/0aLH3Yjl]
● Ayn Rand, Anthem [https://a.co/d/0fZGzsBW]
● Ayn Rand, “The Metaphysical versus the Man-Made” [courses.aynrand.org/works/the-metaphysical-versus-the-man-made/]
● Ayn Rand, “The Age of Envy” [courses.aynrand.org/works/the-age-of-envy/]
● Leonard Peikoff, “My 30 Years with Ayn Rand” [courses.aynrand.org/works/my-thirty-years-with-ayn-rand-an-intellectual-memoir/]
This episode was recorded on July 15, 2026.
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
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Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Robertas Bakula interviews Dr. Onkar Ghate, the author of the new book The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand, peeking into the themes explored in the essay collection, including the literary essence and profound moral idealism found within Ayn Rand's fiction.
● [0:00] Introduction
● [1:20] Fiction vs. Philosophical Propaganda
● [7:05] The Moral Ideals in Dramatic Fiction
● [10:43] Superhuman Character Misconceptions
● [22:00] Admiration vs. Compassion
● [28:50] Metaphysical Irrelevance of evil
● [40:38] The Death Premise
● [51:04] Dramatization of Moral Principles
Resources:
● Onkar Ghate, The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand [amazon.com/Moral-Idealism-Ayn-Rand-Shrugged/dp/1968832009]
● Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged [https://a.co/d/0ibDSbXY]
● Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead [https://a.co/d/00bZj38z]
● Ayn Rand, We the Living [https://a.co/d/0aLH3Yjl]
● Ayn Rand, Anthem [https://a.co/d/0fZGzsBW]
● Ayn Rand, “The Metaphysical versus the Man-Made” [courses.aynrand.org/works/the-metaphysical-versus-the-man-made/]
● Ayn Rand, “The Age of Envy” [courses.aynrand.org/works/the-age-of-envy/]
● Leonard Peikoff, “My 30 Years with Ayn Rand” [courses.aynrand.org/works/my-thirty-years-with-ayn-rand-an-intellectual-memoir/]
This episode was recorded on July 15, 2026.
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
