The Morality of Capitalism | 2025

Ayn Rand called capitalism the unknown ideal. But what makes it an ideal–and why has that ideal remained unknown? In this course, we’ll examine the philosophy, history, and economics of capitalism. Above all, we’ll examine the debate over capitalism’s morality–from opponents like Marx to alleged champions like Hayek. And we’ll see how Objectivism’s unique understanding and philosophical defense of capitalism cements it as the only moral social system.

Note: This course was made possible by a gift from the Snider Foundation.

Prerequisites or Corequisites: 100-level courses have “Objectivism through Ayn Rand’s Fiction” or the “Intensive Seminar on Objectivism” as a corequisite.