Why Philosophy Needs Fiction: The Moral Idealism of Ayn Rand

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 ● Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged ● Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead ● Ayn Rand, We the Living ● Ayn Rand, Anthem ● Ayn Rand, “The Metaphysical versus the Man-Made” ● Ayn Rand, “The Age of Envy” ● Leonard Peikoff, “My 30 Years with Ayn Rand” This episode was recorded on July 15, 2026. Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_... Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app: – App Store https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-r... – Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: https://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: https://newideal.aynrand.org/ ****** Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: https://aynrand.org/signup Follow ARI on Twitter:   / aynrandinst   Follow ARI on Facebook:   / aynrandinstitute   Follow ARI on Instagram:   / aynrandorg   Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ****** Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: https://ari.aynrand.org/events/ Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: https://ari.aynrand.org/