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Trade vs. Power

Explore the ideas of Atlas Shrugged

Trade vs. Power

By David Kelley
Categories: N/A

Trade and power are the two fundamental alternatives in human relationships. This audio program explores that alternative as the specifically social-economic dimension of the contrast between producers and looters. This theme is reflected in Atlas Shrugged in the collapse of the economy as power gains the upper hand; and in the producers' and looters' respective goals and attitudes towards others.

This audio program, suitable for those new to Rand's ideas, covers:

  1. Trade as the principle of freedom and justice
  2. Plot implementation: The wreck of the economy, Galt Agonistes
  3. Characterization: Rearden vs. Boyle
  4. Clearest statement of the theme: Francisco's money speech, Rearden's trial speech, Galt's speech.
  5. Buried riches: The generosity of the producers.

DOWNLOAD: Accompanying PowerPoint presentation

 Note: This audio program is the sixth in a six-part series, "Atlas Shrugged as a Philosophical Novel," presented at The Atlas Society's 2006 Summer Seminar. The other programs in the series are:

Part 1: Atlas Shrugged as a Philosophical Thriller
Part 2: Producers vs. Looters and Parasites
Part 3: Reason vs. Anti-Reason
Part 4: The Pursuit of Happiness
Part 5: The Unity of Mind and Body

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David Kelley earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University in 1975, and later taught cognitive science and philosophy at Vassar College and Brandeis University. His articles on social issues and public policy have appeared in Harpers, The Sciences, Reason, Harvard Business Review, The Freeman, and elsewhere. His books include  Unrugged Individualism: The Selfish Basis of Benevolence; The Contested Legacy of Ayn Rand; The Evidence of the Senses; and The Art of Reasoning, one of the most widely used logic textbooks in the country. Kelley is founder and executive director of The Atlas Society. 

TNI articles by David Kelley        Atlas Society articles by David Kelley