Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Robertas Bakula and Ben Bayer discuss the viral Red vs. Blue Button dilemma.
Timestamps:
• [0:00] Introduction
• [1:16] The Viral Dilemma
• [7:34] The Case for Red
• [14:23] The Case for Blue
• [23:09] The False Choice
• [32:16] Comparison to the Trolley Problem
• [48:10] Ayn Rand’s Alternative Approach to Morality
Resources:
• “Ethics of Emergencies,” [courses.aynrand.org/works/the-ethics-of-emergencies/] Ayn Rand, The Virtue of Selfishness [amazon.com/Virtue-Selfishness-Rand-published-July/dp/B00IRRERQ6]
• “Why Today’s Ethics Offers No Real Guidance,” [newideal.aynrand.org/why-todays-ethics-offers-no-real-guidance/] Ben Bayer, New Ideal, November 18, 2020
• Atlas Shrugged [amazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451191145] by Ayn Rand
• The Fountainhead [amazon.com/Fountainhead-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451191153/] by Ayn Rand
This episode was recorded on April 24, 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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******
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 and Ben Bayer discuss the viral Red vs. Blue Button dilemma.
Timestamps:
• [0:00] Introduction
• [1:16] The Viral Dilemma
• [7:34] The Case for Red
• [14:23] The Case for Blue
• [23:09] The False Choice
• [32:16] Comparison to the Trolley Problem
• [48:10] Ayn Rand’s Alternative Approach to Morality
Resources:
• “Ethics of Emergencies,” [courses.aynrand.org/works/the-ethics-of-emergencies/] Ayn Rand, The Virtue of Selfishness [amazon.com/Virtue-Selfishness-Rand-published-July/dp/B00IRRERQ6]
• “Why Today’s Ethics Offers No Real Guidance,” [newideal.aynrand.org/why-todays-ethics-offers-no-real-guidance/] Ben Bayer, New Ideal, November 18, 2020
• Atlas Shrugged [amazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451191145] by Ayn Rand
• The Fountainhead [amazon.com/Fountainhead-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451191153/] by Ayn Rand
This episode was recorded on April 24, 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
