In a recent article titled "Praxeology – The Science of Human Action" I laid down the foundations of this vitally important science of economic theory. I also covered the axiomatic concepts of Objectivism. Although there are some differences in the epistemology (the theory and origins of knowledge) of Praxeology and Objectivism they are closely inter-related. They both realize that all reasoning in the sphere of human action begins with the individual.

Ludwig von Mises and Ayn Rand are usually considered the "Dad and Mom" of Libertarian philosophy. Ludwig von Mises’ magnum opus "Human Action" is the Bible of praxeological reasoning. Ayn Rand’s great philosophical masterpiece "Atlas Shrugged" is the Objectivist Bible. Although, I’m not sure if she would react favorably upon hearing that I connected the term "Bible" to her integrated system of logic and reason.

Value Free

Mises believed that scientists should approach their subject free of value judgments. His idea was that once someone pollutes a scientific investigation with his subjective values he no longer acts as a pure scientist. I believe this has merit. However, Mises own student Murray Rothbard criticizes this approach. He believes the praxeologist should defend the social system of Libertarianism using both praxeological insights and Natural Law.

The great Mises circled around this dilemma by claiming he could utilize his subjective opinions as a citizen—and along with his praxeological insights support Laissez faire capitalism.

Mises also had some quarrels with basing any defense of the individual on Natural Law. He believed socialists and interventionists could twist Natural Law theory to support their own spurious social theories. He has a point. Still, I believe that one scientific system of ethics solves the problem. It is the rational system of Objectivism.

A libertarian who possesses the weapons of both Praxeology and Objectivism has an undefeatable arsenal of logic and reason at his disposal.

Objectivism

Politics: Individual Rights and Capitalism

Praxeology (economic science) proves beyond a reasonable doubt that capitalism is the only social system that can benefit the vast majority of individuals. Objectivism supplies capitalism with its moral foundation—with its spirited defense of individual rights. Objectivism is 100% correct in its advocacy of capitalism and individual rights.

Our current political system is corrupt and anti-life. Our "beloved" political and financial leaders are unwittingly causing havoc to our faltering economic system. Years of government interventionism has dealt our economy severe blows. Now it is on life support. And how does our economic "doctors" treat the patient? With the arsenic of massive bailouts—bailouts that guarantee the patient’s system collapses and dies from a combination of dehydration and massive internal bleeding.

Metaphysics: Objective Reality

Objectivism is based on three axiomatic concepts: Existence, Identity, Consciousness. These are real and fundamental—although some "intellectuals" and mystics attempt to deny them. Try to visualize non-existence, non-identity and non-consciousness. It's impossible. I have reached high states of awareness in my meditations—but I've never seen any evidence of anti-axioms.

Unlike some Objectivists, I believe a person can indulge in a spiritual practice and still remain quite logical. Let’s say for instance you believe in New Age Metaphysics. Successfully practicing this discipline requires that you never deny axiomatic concepts. It does mean you tap the powers of your intuition. You meditate to better connect the two sides of the brain. Objectivism takes advantage of the reasoning side of the brain. Spiritual insights are the result of exploring the intuitive side of the brain. A marriage between the reasoning side of the brain and the intuitive side integrates the mind—and unleashes all its powers.

Epistemology: Reason

Objectivism states that reason is the only means for man to gain knowledge. Now we can't deny—that without reason men and women would be no better off than savages—in fact they would exist in a lower state than the savage would. Man's power of reason created our marvelous civilization and freed people from the primitive forces of their environment. To deny the power of reason is to condemn men and women to a less than human existence.

I happen to believe a person can also obtain knowledge by using his intuitive powers. Of course, intuitive insights must never contradict the laws of praxeology.

Ethics: Rational Self-Interest

Objectivism advocates that an individual should always act in rational self-interest. The philosophy of rational selfishness is the only one that corresponds to the nature of man. And guess what. Objectivism is correct.

The anti-life philosophy of altruism has failed miserably in practice. Why has it failed? Because it advocates selflessness and self-sacrifice. It denies the sanctity of the individual. It is antagonistic to rational self-interest. It poisons and slowly destroys any society that attempts to practice it, just as it is destroying the American Way of Life. It is the philosophy of Anti-Life.

Praxeology sets forth irrefutable economic principles. Objectivism imparts an ethical system based on Natural Law. As you can see the combination of Praxeology and Objectivism concocts a potent mixture of logic and reason that supplies a perfect defense for the social system of unhampered capitalism—the only social system that defends an individual’s right to life, liberty, ownership of property and the pursuit of happiness.

The Individual

Amazingly, many people fail to recognize that the social system of Laissez faire (unhampered) capitalism would supply them with all the personal freedom they could possibly desire. It is the only system that opens up massive opportunities to honestly acquire wealth, prosperity and abundance. All other social systems thwart the individual’s efforts to improve his situation. Socialism and our current system of government interventionism are dishonest systems that openly confiscate the earnings of hard working individuals through inflation and taxation. Theft is theft no matter how much politicians, altruists and world-improvers attempt to justify their transfer the wealth schemes.

On second thought maybe it isn’t amazing that the vast majority of people don’t know any better. The political establishment devilishly molds public opinion with its anti-capitalistic nonsense through its vast propaganda machine—a machine known as the mass media. Tragically, far too many people look forward to their daily doses of illusion. A drug addict might mistakenly think he resided in heaven if his daily doses of illusion were as abundantly supplied.

I hope that you escaped your world of illusion years ago. If not it is never too late. Study the marvelous science of praxeology (human action) as set forth by such greats as Ludwig von Mises, Murray Rothbard, F.A Hayek and Henry Hazlitt. Familiarize yourself with the philosophy of Objectivism through the teachings of Ayn Rand, Nathaniel Branden and others.

Also, always act with rational self-interest. Disdain the anti-life philosophy of social altruism. And definitely don’t indulge in irrationally selfish activities. Celebrate the joy of your existence and enjoy the Libertarian Pleasures life has to offer.

One of the easiest and most enjoyable means to increase your sensitivity to Libertarian Pleasures is indulging in a daily practice of meditation. Meditation also flings open the doorway to higher awareness—and it delightfully increases your reasoning abilities.

Who is the most important person in the world? You—the lone individual—the creator of all of your life experiences. Use your power wisely and create the life of the rationally selfish person—the person who lives for his own sake—and by living for his own sake has bountiful gifts to offer others.

Here’s an affirmation for you. "I love all of my highest values. I love life. I experience the joy of my existence every minute of my life."

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