Ben Bayer
@benbayer.bsky.social
Senior Fellow, the Ayn Rand Institute. Former philosophy prof. Views expressed are my own, I am not authorized to speak for my employer.
https://ari.aynrand.org/experts/ben-bayer/
https://ari.aynrand.org/experts/ben-bayer/
Pinned
Ben Bayer
@benbayer.bsky.social
· Nov 17
Debunking the Supernaturalism That Haunts Secular Ethics
The scientifically minded should be skeptical of the popular morality of impartiality.
newideal.aynrand.org
"Once we exorcise morality of these ghostly remnants of religion’s past, we’ll see this leaves more than enough room for new secular moral ideals to flourish."
newideal.aynrand.org/debunking-th...
newideal.aynrand.org/debunking-th...
Some say I'm a "Heritage American" because I have a Mayflower ancestor (the 1st one born in the New World)!
But I descend from the line that fled to Canada as loyalist opponents of the Revolution.
Heritage is meaningless. Americans are Americans "by choice and conviction."
But I descend from the line that fled to Canada as loyalist opponents of the Revolution.
Heritage is meaningless. Americans are Americans "by choice and conviction."
December 19, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Some say I'm a "Heritage American" because I have a Mayflower ancestor (the 1st one born in the New World)!
But I descend from the line that fled to Canada as loyalist opponents of the Revolution.
Heritage is meaningless. Americans are Americans "by choice and conviction."
But I descend from the line that fled to Canada as loyalist opponents of the Revolution.
Heritage is meaningless. Americans are Americans "by choice and conviction."
Reposted by Ben Bayer
RFK Jr.’s Irrational Anti-Vaccine Policies: Interview with Dr. Amesh Adalja
Samantha Watkins interviews Dr. Amesh Adalja about the alarming trend of vaccine conspiracism, now not just being spread by online conspiracy theorists, but also by the leaders of the nation’s top scientific institutions.
Samantha Watkins interviews Dr. Amesh Adalja about the alarming trend of vaccine conspiracism, now not just being spread by online conspiracy theorists, but also by the leaders of the nation’s top scientific institutions.
RFK Jr.’s Irrational Anti-Vaccine Policies: Interview with Dr. Amesh Adalja
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
December 18, 2025 at 6:28 PM
RFK Jr.’s Irrational Anti-Vaccine Policies: Interview with Dr. Amesh Adalja
Samantha Watkins interviews Dr. Amesh Adalja about the alarming trend of vaccine conspiracism, now not just being spread by online conspiracy theorists, but also by the leaders of the nation’s top scientific institutions.
Samantha Watkins interviews Dr. Amesh Adalja about the alarming trend of vaccine conspiracism, now not just being spread by online conspiracy theorists, but also by the leaders of the nation’s top scientific institutions.
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Donald Trump is the living embodiment of tribal lone wolf type of amoralist skewered by Ayn Rand in this essay. Far from caring of nothing but himself, he has no self to care for.
courses.aynrand.org/works/selfis...
courses.aynrand.org/works/selfis...
December 16, 2025 at 4:49 AM
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Donald Trump is the living embodiment of tribal lone wolf type of amoralist skewered by Ayn Rand in this essay. Far from caring of nothing but himself, he has no self to care for.
courses.aynrand.org/works/selfis...
courses.aynrand.org/works/selfis...
Here Elan Journo and I take apart the case for war the Trump administration is ginning up against Venezuela. There’s zero self defense rationale here.
How Drug Boats Could Be Used to Rationalize an Unjust War with Venezuela
Neither drug smugglers nor the Venezuelan regime pose a threat that could justify military action.
Neither drug smugglers nor the Venezuelan regime pose a threat that could justify military action.
How Drug Boats Could Be Used to Rationalize an Unjust War with Venezuela
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Here Elan Journo and I take apart the case for war the Trump administration is ginning up against Venezuela. There’s zero self defense rationale here.
This is the course I'll be leading for ARI Live Courses (based on both my and Onkar Ghate's lectures) in January. You should join!
To get a 10% discount off tuition, use the discount code Ben10.
To get a 10% discount off tuition, use the discount code Ben10.
Join us for a fun and enlightening journey into Objectivism, through the works in which Ayn Rand created it: her novels. Register today!
Objectivism Through Ayn Rand’s Fiction, Part I - Winter 2026 - Ayn Rand Institute Live Courses
Study Objectivism through the novels in which Rand created it.
buff.ly
December 9, 2025 at 11:23 PM
This is the course I'll be leading for ARI Live Courses (based on both my and Onkar Ghate's lectures) in January. You should join!
To get a 10% discount off tuition, use the discount code Ben10.
To get a 10% discount off tuition, use the discount code Ben10.
A very important interview between Agustina Vergara Cid and Josh Windham. You'll be shocked what Trump's ICE is getting away with it, and you ought to cheer the great work the folks at IJ are doing to fight against it. youtu.be/1KEOmlA-YRo?...
ICE Raids vs. Rule of Law: Interviewing Institute for Justice’s Josh Windham
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
December 4, 2025 at 7:04 PM
A very important interview between Agustina Vergara Cid and Josh Windham. You'll be shocked what Trump's ICE is getting away with it, and you ought to cheer the great work the folks at IJ are doing to fight against it. youtu.be/1KEOmlA-YRo?...
Here Nikos Sotirakopoulos, Elan Journo, Onkar Ghate and I unpack the meaning of the conservative civil war about antisemitism.
youtu.be/kgur8cEOpnk?...
youtu.be/kgur8cEOpnk?...
Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes, Heritage, and Conservatism's Moral Decay
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Here Nikos Sotirakopoulos, Elan Journo, Onkar Ghate and I unpack the meaning of the conservative civil war about antisemitism.
youtu.be/kgur8cEOpnk?...
youtu.be/kgur8cEOpnk?...
"Defenders of the president’s new powers may seek to justify his tariffs by citing details of English history or obscure American pamphlets. But. . .they do it in a way that blatantly ignores the founders’ love for liberty and hatred of unchecked tyranny."
new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/the-lawyer...
new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/the-lawyer...
The Lawyers Defending Trump’s Tariffs Know They’re Un-American. Here’s How We Can Tell
Legal scholars who cherry pick American history to ignore the American revolution aren’t making an accidental oversight
new-ideal.aynrand.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM
"Defenders of the president’s new powers may seek to justify his tariffs by citing details of English history or obscure American pamphlets. But. . .they do it in a way that blatantly ignores the founders’ love for liberty and hatred of unchecked tyranny."
new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/the-lawyer...
new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/the-lawyer...
The oral arguments about Trump's tariffs exposed so many ways in which the emperor has no clothes.
Trump’s Un-American, Unconstitutional Tariff Scheme
The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments over the legality and constitutionality of Trump’s tariffs. Ben Bayer and Robertas Bakula examine the key arguments by the President’s team and expose their un-American hostility to the rule of law.
The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments over the legality and constitutionality of Trump’s tariffs. Ben Bayer and Robertas Bakula examine the key arguments by the President’s team and expose their un-American hostility to the rule of law.
Trump’s Un-American, Unconstitutional Tariff Scheme
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 6:52 PM
The oral arguments about Trump's tariffs exposed so many ways in which the emperor has no clothes.
Republishing another classic New Ideal piece.
Ayn Rand's critique of liberals differs radically from the criticisms leveled by conservatives—a group she is often wrongly lumped in with. (Originally published 4/12/2023.) buff.ly/XuJYcSj
📷: Bettmann / via Getty Images
📷: Bettmann / via Getty Images
Ayn Rand’s Devastating Critique of ‘Liberals’
Rand evaluated the fundamental moral-political goals of “liberals,” which they themselves refused to face
buff.ly
November 17, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Republishing another classic New Ideal piece.
Here Samantha Watkins and I dissect one of the bigger scandals of the incoming Mamdani administration that not nearly enough people are talking about.
youtu.be/A1sggf9exTQ?...
youtu.be/A1sggf9exTQ?...
Mamdani's Socialist War on Gifted Kids
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Here Samantha Watkins and I dissect one of the bigger scandals of the incoming Mamdani administration that not nearly enough people are talking about.
youtu.be/A1sggf9exTQ?...
youtu.be/A1sggf9exTQ?...
Here's a discussion I had with Mike Mazza, Tristan de Liege and Professor Jim Lennox about a fascinating book on the questions in philosophy of biology that condition a naturalistic value theory
The Origin of Life, Agency & Purpose: Terrence Deacon's Theory
Jeremy Sherman’s book, Neither Ghost Nor Machine: The Emergence and Nature of Selves, introduces readers to neuroanthropologist Terrence Deacon’s theory of the origins of life, purpose, and normativity.
Jeremy Sherman’s book, Neither Ghost Nor Machine: The Emergence and Nature of Selves, introduces readers to neuroanthropologist Terrence Deacon’s theory of the origins of life, purpose, and normativity.
The Origin of Life, Agency & Purpose: Terrence Deacon's Theory
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Here's a discussion I had with Mike Mazza, Tristan de Liege and Professor Jim Lennox about a fascinating book on the questions in philosophy of biology that condition a naturalistic value theory
Onkar Ghate and I discuss the “bothsidesing” charge, when it makes sense and when it doesn’t.
youtu.be/id3kFduLXVg?...
youtu.be/id3kFduLXVg?...
When It’s Rational to Blame “Both Sides”
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Onkar Ghate and I discuss the “bothsidesing” charge, when it makes sense and when it doesn’t.
youtu.be/id3kFduLXVg?...
youtu.be/id3kFduLXVg?...
From me in OCR: "The president [needs] to impose powerful embargoes against specific military belligerents during declared wars. . . . [But] Trump’s tariffs. . . have been imposed indefinitely against. . . closely allied peaceful nations."
www.ocregister.com/2025/11/03/t...
www.ocregister.com/2025/11/03/t...
The president has no ‘foreign policy’ discretion to impose sweeping global tariffs
The president’s real foreign policy discretion over trade applies only in wartime against specific belligerents—not in perpetuity and even against our allies.
www.ocregister.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:19 PM
From me in OCR: "The president [needs] to impose powerful embargoes against specific military belligerents during declared wars. . . . [But] Trump’s tariffs. . . have been imposed indefinitely against. . . closely allied peaceful nations."
www.ocregister.com/2025/11/03/t...
www.ocregister.com/2025/11/03/t...
If you agree with the outrage over this video, over the fact that Kevin Roberts condemns antisemitism but is unwilling to condemn Tucker Carlson for platforming it, there are some lessons about the nature of justice. 🧵
1. A watershed moment.
The President of the Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, Kevin Roberts , has announced that the organization is standing by Tucker Carlson in the aftermath of Tucker’s interview with neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes.
This isn’t Kevin bending his knee to Trump…this is something new
The President of the Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, Kevin Roberts , has announced that the organization is standing by Tucker Carlson in the aftermath of Tucker’s interview with neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes.
This isn’t Kevin bending his knee to Trump…this is something new
November 1, 2025 at 9:16 PM
If you agree with the outrage over this video, over the fact that Kevin Roberts condemns antisemitism but is unwilling to condemn Tucker Carlson for platforming it, there are some lessons about the nature of justice. 🧵
Somewhat lengthier version of the piece I just published in Skeptic.
Secular commentators should not let the Epstein scandal or a new Pope distract them from the Church’s historic crimes.
📷: Walter Bibikow / via Getty Images
📷: Walter Bibikow / via Getty Images
Never Forget – or Forgive – the Ongoing Catholic Church Sex Abuse Scandal
Secular commentators should not let the Epstein scandal or a new Pope distract them from the Church’s historic crimes
new-ideal.aynrand.org
October 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Somewhat lengthier version of the piece I just published in Skeptic.
In Skeptic Magazine I ask (invoking the ghost of Epstein), “If it’s outrageous when money and power enable impunity for horrible crimes, shouldn’t it be even more outrageous when the pretense of moral authority enables someone to commit even worse crime?”
www.skeptic.com/article/neve...
www.skeptic.com/article/neve...
Never Forget … or Forgive: The Ongoing Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Scandal
The sexual abuse scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein is especially outrageous inasmuch as he used his political connections (and money) to escape prosecution for so many years. But if it’s outrageous ...
www.skeptic.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:15 PM
In Skeptic Magazine I ask (invoking the ghost of Epstein), “If it’s outrageous when money and power enable impunity for horrible crimes, shouldn’t it be even more outrageous when the pretense of moral authority enables someone to commit even worse crime?”
www.skeptic.com/article/neve...
www.skeptic.com/article/neve...
Lengthy but in-depth discussion of a fascinating book by
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social on free will. I liked a lot about the book.
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social on free will. I liked a lot about the book.
Integrating Science and Free Will
Kevin Mitchell’s book Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will, offers an interesting and unique exploration of how free will relates to biology and neuroscience.
Kevin Mitchell’s book Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will, offers an interesting and unique exploration of how free will relates to biology and neuroscience.
Integrating Science and Free Will
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
October 24, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Lengthy but in-depth discussion of a fascinating book by
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social on free will. I liked a lot about the book.
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social on free will. I liked a lot about the book.
Here Nikos Sotirakopoulos, Ibis Slade, and Sam Weaver compare two very different critiques of so-called "woke" ideology (i.e. egalitarian collectivism), what we can learn from each, and why a deeper, more value-driven response is needed.
Understanding "Woke" Ideology: Books by Yascha Mounk and Chris Rufo
In “The Identity Trap” and “America’s Cultural Revolution,” Yascha Mounk and Christopher Rufo seek to explain the rise of “woke” ideology and how to oppose it. Yet each ends up embracing fundamental premises of this worldview.
In “The Identity Trap” and “America’s Cultural Revolution,” Yascha Mounk and Christopher Rufo seek to explain the rise of “woke” ideology and how to oppose it. Yet each ends up embracing fundamental premises of this worldview.
Understanding "Woke" Ideology: Books by Yascha Mounk and Chris Rufo
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
October 10, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Here Nikos Sotirakopoulos, Ibis Slade, and Sam Weaver compare two very different critiques of so-called "woke" ideology (i.e. egalitarian collectivism), what we can learn from each, and why a deeper, more value-driven response is needed.
High-level summary of why "genocide" charges against Israel are absurd:
1) The paradigm case of genocide was the Holocaust. Germany was not attacked by Jews, it attacked them.
vs. Israel, which was attacked by Gazans, on Oct 7 , and has been attacked relentlessly for decades.
1) The paradigm case of genocide was the Holocaust. Germany was not attacked by Jews, it attacked them.
vs. Israel, which was attacked by Gazans, on Oct 7 , and has been attacked relentlessly for decades.
My statement on the two year anniversary of October 7, 2023.
October 8, 2025 at 5:36 AM
High-level summary of why "genocide" charges against Israel are absurd:
1) The paradigm case of genocide was the Holocaust. Germany was not attacked by Jews, it attacked them.
vs. Israel, which was attacked by Gazans, on Oct 7 , and has been attacked relentlessly for decades.
1) The paradigm case of genocide was the Holocaust. Germany was not attacked by Jews, it attacked them.
vs. Israel, which was attacked by Gazans, on Oct 7 , and has been attacked relentlessly for decades.
For the Oct 7 anniversary, Tristan de Leige and I philosophically analyze -- and skewer -- the absurd claims that Israel has engaged in "genocide."
Is Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza?
Claims of Israel committing genocide in Gaza have become mainstream, but are they supported by evidence?
Claims of Israel committing genocide in Gaza have become mainstream, but are they supported by evidence?
Is Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza?
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
October 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
For the Oct 7 anniversary, Tristan de Leige and I philosophically analyze -- and skewer -- the absurd claims that Israel has engaged in "genocide."
From Onkar Ghate and me in @ocropinion:
"To intimidate the victim to self-censor. . . . has the advantage of giving the opponents of free speech an easy cover: they can pretend their victims are acting voluntarily."
www.ocregister.com/2025/09/26/w...
"To intimidate the victim to self-censor. . . . has the advantage of giving the opponents of free speech an easy cover: they can pretend their victims are acting voluntarily."
www.ocregister.com/2025/09/26/w...
What happened to ABC and Jimmy Kimmel wasn’t censorship. It was worse.
If we don’t want to lose our freedom, we must abandon these tribal loyalties.
www.ocregister.com
September 26, 2025 at 10:40 PM
From Onkar Ghate and me in @ocropinion:
"To intimidate the victim to self-censor. . . . has the advantage of giving the opponents of free speech an easy cover: they can pretend their victims are acting voluntarily."
www.ocregister.com/2025/09/26/w...
"To intimidate the victim to self-censor. . . . has the advantage of giving the opponents of free speech an easy cover: they can pretend their victims are acting voluntarily."
www.ocregister.com/2025/09/26/w...
Here Mike Mazza and I analyze the week’s debate about free speech and Jimmy Kimmel.
Trump vs. Kimmel: The Tribal Weaponization of the FCC against Free Speech
Though Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension by ABC has now been reversed, the threats issued by FCC commissioner Brendan Carr and President Trump were flagrant violations of the right to free speech.
Though Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension by ABC has now been reversed, the threats issued by FCC commissioner Brendan Carr and President Trump were flagrant violations of the right to free speech.
Trump vs. Kimmel: The Tribal Weaponization of the FCC against Free Speech
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
September 26, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Here Mike Mazza and I analyze the week’s debate about free speech and Jimmy Kimmel.
Excellent discussion of the intellectual trends that are stoking the flames of political violence in every corner of American politics.
Charlie Kirk’s Murder: Who Normalized Political Violence?
Charlie Kirk’s assassination is yet another instance in a rising trend of political violence. What’s driving this crisis, and what must be done to stop it?
youtu.be/0UIpOG0GSL4
Charlie Kirk’s assassination is yet another instance in a rising trend of political violence. What’s driving this crisis, and what must be done to stop it?
youtu.be/0UIpOG0GSL4
Charlie Kirk’s Murder: Who Normalized Political Violence?
YouTube video by Ayn Rand Institute
youtu.be
September 13, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Excellent discussion of the intellectual trends that are stoking the flames of political violence in every corner of American politics.