The opponents of global capitalism overlook the key points in the debate. The capitalistic nations of Europe, North America and Asia are by far the wealthiest societies of history—with per capita incomes in the range of at least $20,000-$30,000 annually. But capitalism is not merely the system of prosperity; fundamentally, it is the system of individual rights and freedom.

Capitalistic nations protect their citizens’ freedom of speech, of the press and of intellectual expression. Similarly, their citizens possess economic freedom, including the right to own property, to start their own businesses and to seek profit. By stark contrast, the pre-capitalist systems of history, and the non-capitalist systems of the present, are politically oppressive and economically destitute; their citizens have no rights and, consequently, little or no wealth.

What deeper principles make possible the freedom and wealth enjoyed under capitalism—and lacking in its political antipodes? How has capitalism already greatly enhanced the lives of millions of human beings in formerly impoverished Third World countries? What can the men of the free world do to further promote the spread of capitalism into the repressed nations of the globe?

Andrew Bernstein holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Graduate School of the City University of New York, and teaches at Marist College & at SUNY Purchase. Dr. Bernstein is the author of The Capitalist Manifesto: The Historic, Economic, and Philosophic Case for Laissez-Faire (2005); Objectivism in One Lesson: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Ayn Rand (2008); Capitalism Unbound: The Incontestable Moral Case for Individual Rights (2010); and Capitalist Solutions: A Philosophy of American Moral Dilemmas (2011). He has written the Cliffs Notes for three Ayn Rand titles: Anthem, The Fountainhead, and Atlas Shrugged.

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Religion vs. Morality by Andrew Bernstein, Objective Standard Mini-conference, Dallas, Texas, October 20, 2012.

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Dinesh D’Souza vs. Andrew Bernstein
When: February 8, 2013, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Where: Hogg Auditorium, University of Texas–Austin

Tickets: General Admission $30.00, Students $8.00

Livestream: This event will be accessible via livestream for $5.00. Additional information on this option will be posted in January.

Brought to you by The Objective Standard and UT Objectivism Society

The Issue in Question
Is Christianity the source of important truths, moral law, and man’s rights and thus profoundly good for mankind—or is it antithetical to all such values and thus profoundly bad? Christian conservative Dinesh D’Souza will argue that Christianity is good; Objectivist atheist Andrew Bernstein will argue the alternative. PDF Flier

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Andrew Bernstein, “Capitalist Solutions to Contemporary Moral Problems”
The United States, and the semi-free world, face grave moral problems. For example, the dangers of terrorism spawned by Islamic Totalitarianism are manifest. The environmentalist charges of man-made global warming must be rationally addressed. The cost, quality, and availability of medical care is a serious concern. How is Western Civilization to resolve these—and other—dilemmas? Ayn Rand showed that the moral is the practical. This talk, based on Andrew Bernstein’s book, Capitalist Solutions, demonstrates, on issue after issue, that only the principles of individual rights and free markets, consistently applied, resolve—both morally and practically—all the major moral problems currently confronting mankind.

Andrew Bernstein, “Villainy—An Analysis of the Nature of Evil”
Criminals victimize honest men. Religion coerces rational men to surrender their minds to faith. Collectivism enslaves an individual to the state. These are three primary forms that evil takes. What is the moral theory that makes possible the rise and continued existence of evil? What is the underlying philosophic theory that, if held by men, makes evil inevitable? Is one of these three forms of evil more virulent than the other two – and, if so, why? What must rational men do to protect themselves against evil in any of its hideous iterations? Finally, what must good men do to protect an optimistic, value-laden benevolent universe premise in the face of evil’s ubiquity and destructive power in the modern world?

The conference requires registration, and one can sign up either for one of the days or for both. A limited number of scholarships are available, intended for those 22 years or younger, giving a substantial discount on the registration fee. Those interested in applying should send a brief CV and a statement of why you deserve to be given the scholarship (in English or Norwegian). Recipients may be asked to fulfill a few tasks during the conference.

There will be a couple of free events on Friday the 18th. More information on these will be made available soon. The conference is organized by Foreningen for Studium av Objektivismen (The Norwegian Objectivist Association).

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CapMag TV has just posted a video by Andrew Bernstein on why you should attend the NYOS Objectivist conference.

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The NYOS conference November 4-6, is offering a group discount: four people may register for the price of three. NYOS is also offering a 50% discount to students, at the low price of $300 for the entire conference.

This is going to be a great event celebrating the ideas of Ayn Rand through the presentation of some of the most prominent intellectuals in the Objectivist movement. Read more at: www.NewYorkObjectivistSociety.org

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