Peter Schwartz

Peter Schwartz, an eminent figure in the realm of philosophical and ethical discourse, has carved a niche for himself through his unwavering advocacy for individualism. As a former Chairman of the Board and now a Distinguished Fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute in Irvine, California, Schwartz has dedicated his career to exploring and expounding on the principles of Ayn Rand's Objectivism. His intellectual journey began with the founding of The Intellectual Activist in 1979, where he served as editor and publisher, establishing a platform that rigorously defended pro-individual rights perspectives until 1991. Beyond the confines of academia, Schwartz's insights have resonated widely, reaching audiences through frequent radio and television appearances with hosts like Geraldo Rivera and Thom Hartmann. In his provocative and thought-provoking oeuvre, Schwartz challenges conventional moral frameworks, particularly through his seminal work, "In Defense of Selfishness: Why the Code of Self-Sacrifice Is Unjust and Destructive" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015). This book, alongside titles such as "The Foreign Policy of Self-Interest: A Moral Ideal for America" and "Libertarianism: The Perversion of Liberty," explores the virtues of rational self-interest and critiques the pitfalls of altruistic ethics. As editor and contributing author of Ayn Rand's "Return of the Primitive: The Anti-Industrial Revolution," he further cements his role as a staunch defender of laissez-faire capitalism and an advocate for the transformative power of reason and science. Schwartz's writing is marked by a lucid and incisive style that compellingly argues for the primacy of individual rights and the moral underpinnings of capitalism. His works serve not only as a critique of contemporary socio-political trends but as a clarion call for a return to Enlightenment values. Through his extensive lectures and publications, he continues to influence and inspire a new generation of thinkers, establishing himself as a leading voice in the ongoing discourse on ethics and political philosophy. For those seeking to delve deeper into his insights, his blog and a comprehensive collection of his writings can be accessed at www.PeterSchwartz.com.